Portable & Community Skills Training
Home – Portable & Community Skills Training
Community Skills Development Services
Practical Skills that Create Real Opportunities
Train The Nation & Associates’ Portable / Community Skills Training Division focuses on short, practical programmes that give youth, community members, employees, retrenchees and physically and mentally challenged learners, immediately usable skills.
These are hands‑on, entry‑level and intermediate courses that help people start small, viable businesses, improve their employability or support community projects.We currently have 11 expert partner companies and offer 38 different portable skills programmes.
Why Clients Partner With Our Portable Skills Division
We understand the realities of community and youth development – unemployment, low levels of formal education and the need for visible impact. Our portable skills programmes are designed to work in real community settings, not just on paper.
Communities and Programmes We Support
We have experience delivering portable and community skills training across a wide range of sectors, communities and project types, including:
- Mining communities and labour‑sending areas
- Youth employment and empowerment projects
- Social and Labour Plan (SLP) and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) programmes
- Municipal, provincial and national community development initiatives
- NGO, CBO, FBO and cooperative development projects
- Rural, township and informal settlement communities
Portable & Community Skills Programmes
Our Portable Skills Division offers a wide range of short, practical programmes that can be combined into larger projects or delivered as standalone interventions. Below is an overview of our core focus areas. Detailed outlines and schedules are available on request.
Engineering Skills
Hands‑on technical skills that prepare learners for entry‑level work in maintenance, repairs and basic engineering tasks, or to offer services in their communities.
Typical Programmes Include:
- Basic Welding Skills
- Basic Plumbing Repairs
- Basic Electrical Maintenance (Household level)
- Basic Hand and Power Tool Use
- Basic Mechanical Skills (small engines / equipment)
Building & Construction Skills
Entry‑level construction skills that enable learners to assist with or deliver small building projects, repairs and community infrastructure work.
Typical Programmes Include:
- Basic Bricklaying and Plastering
- Paving and Pathway Construction
- Basic Tiling (walls and floors)
- Basic Painting and Surface Preparation
- Basic Construction Site Safety and Housekeeping
Agricultural & Food Security Skills
Practical skills for household, community and small‑scale farming to support food security and income generation.
Key Programmes Include:
- Crop Production and Vegetable Gardening
- Basic Poultry Production
- Basic Livestock and Small Animal Care
- Farm and Garden Business Basics
- Water‑wise and Sustainable Farming Practices
Business & Entrepreneurship Skills
Foundational entrepreneurship skills that help learners start, run and grow small income‑generating activities and businesses.
Programmes Include:
- Starting a Small Business
- Basic Business Planning and Budgeting
- Customer Service and Selling Skills
- Record‑Keeping and Cash Management
- Marketing Your Small Business in the Community
Computer & Digital Skills
Entry‑level digital literacy programmes that prepare learners for the modern workplace and further study.
Programmes Includes:
- Basic Computer Literacy (Windows, files, folders)
- Introduction to Word Processing
- Basic Spreadsheets and Data Capture
- Email, Internet and Online Safety
- Digital Skills for Job Seeking and Online Applications
Life Skills & Community Services
Personal and social skills that support employability, responsible citizenship and community care roles.
Programme Include:
- Work Readiness and Workplace Behaviour
- Communication and Conflict Management
- Basic Financial Literacy
- Introduction to Community Care / Support Roles
- Health, Safety and Environmental Awareness
Sewing/Garment Making
From basic sewing skills to full garment construction for home‑based and micro‑enterprise sewing businesses.
Programme Include:
- Basic Hand Sewing and Machine Operation
- Garment Construction (skirts, shirts, dresses, uniforms)
- Pattern Reading and Simple Adjustments
- Alterations and Repairs
- Starting a Small Sewing Business
Beauty & Personal Care
Portable skills in beauty and grooming that learners can use to start small businesses from home or in their communities.
Programme Include:
- Basic Hair Care and Styling
- Basic Nail Care and Manicures / Pedicures
- Introduction to Beauty and Grooming Services
- Customer Service in Beauty and Personal Care
- Starting a Small Beauty Business
Request Your Quote
Have a Question About Portable Skills Training?
Don't Hesitate To Ask Us
If you are planning a community project, SLP, CSI initiative or youth programme, we can help you choose the right mix of portable skills courses.
How long are your portable skills programmes?
Most programmes run from 5 to 20 days, depending on the skill area and depth required. For large projects, we can combine multiple courses into a multi‑week program.
What education level do participants need?
Our portable skills courses are designed for people with mixed education levels. We use simple language, demonstrations and practice, and we can support groups with limited literacy or schooling.
Can you train in our community or at our project site?
Yes. We are a mobile training provider and regularly deliver training in community halls, schools, municipal facilities and on client sites nationwide.
Do participants receive certificates?
Yes. Participants who meet the requirements receive a certificate of attendance or competence. For accredited programmes, we also follow the relevant SETA / QCTO processes.
Bring Portable Skills Training to Your Community
Whether you are planning a once‑off project or a multi‑year community development programme, we can help you design a portable skills solution that fits your budget, targets and community needs.
