A new private training centre is set to open in Oudtshoorn in early September, creating new skills-development opportunities for local students and jobseekers.
Africa Skills Training and Management, part of UXi Artisan Development, will open the Africa Skills Cango Academy in partnership with Cango Wildlife.
The Academy will hold its community launch on 5 September, with its first student intake starting on 7 September 2026.
Douglas Eriksen of Cango Wildlife said the academy represents more than simply a new training facility.
“It is about creating opportunity, developing practical skills and investing in the future of our local community,” Eriksen said.
According to Phillip Harmse, Executive Head: Business Development at UXi Artisan Development, the initial focus will be on short, workplace-oriented skills programmes.
The first programme will be Plumbing Hand, a full-time NQF Level 3 programme presented over 61 days. It will combine
theoretical, practical and workplace training, with a Grade 9 minimum entry requirement.
The academy plans to expand its offering to include handyman, assistant and residential-repair programmes, as well as qualifications in tourism, agriculture and retail.
Students will also have access to IIB Online programmes covering fields such as management, project management, office administration, early childhood development, finance, logistics and marketing.
Opportunities in conservation and tourism
The partnership with Cango Wildlife will also include training opportunities linked to the conservation and tourism sectors.
Dr Garrett Eriksen, academic director at Cango Wildlife, said the collaboration supports the organisation’s long-term commitment to developing future conservation professionals.
“The academy creates an opportunity to connect students with real-world conservation and tourism careers,” Eriksen said.
The Africa Skills Cango Academy is separate from Cango Wildlife’s own Cango Academy, which is scheduled to launch in early 2027.
According to Eriksen, that aca-demy will combine online learning with accredited practical training at Cango Wildlife, providing students with hands-on experience for careers in wildlife conservation, tourism and animal care.
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