On Monday 23 February 2026, a group from the Larimar Training Academy’s Female Driver Learnership Programme graduated following 12 months of intensive training that included theoretical and practical driving skills. They were awarded certificates by the fully accredited Academy.
This learnership programme is in partnership with the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA). It aims to increase the pool of professional female drivers in the passenger transport sector. According to statistics by TETA, the number of young females who are qualified drivers, is still on the low side compared with the number of males.
The graduates had no prior experience in driving heavy vehicles at the start of the programme and were guided by the Academy’s highly experienced Driver Instructors until they became competent. Graduate Kwena Mphela was impressed with the quality of the training they received. ‘The journey was long and challenging but I enjoyed it and I’m excited now that I’ve completed the training.’
This cohort is now ready to go into the world of work armed with the technical and practical know-how of operating a bus and serving customers. Where job opportunities are available, Putco employs the industry-ready graduates.
The minimum requirements for new applicants are:
-A matric certificate with Maths and English;
-A valid driver’s licence code EC, C or EC1 0.4 (NOT C1 or EC1);
-A Public Driver’s Permit (PrDP);
-The applicant must be unemployed and not older than 35 years;
-In good health condition.
Putco will publish an advert when the application season for the Female Driver Learnership Programme commences.