24-04-2025
NWU empowers future STEP facilitators
As part of its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship education, the Bhive Enterprise Development Centre at the North-West University(NWU) recently hosted a Student Training for Entrepreneurial Promotion (STEP) Train-the-Trainer workshop at the Vanderbijlpark Campus. This initiative aimed to equip university staff and community members with the necessary skills to facilitate STEP sessions in the future.
STEP is an internationally recognised programme designed to empower individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to explore entrepreneurial careers. As its success relies on well-trained facilitators who can effectively deliver its curriculum, the five-day TTT workshop focused on building the capacity of future trainers, ensuring that they are equipped to guide and mentor aspiring entrepreneurs in various settings.
Participants included representatives from Kitso, a Sharpeville-based non-governmental organisation focused on community development and skills training, as well as members from the Small Enterprise Finance Agency, the National Youth Development Agency, and the Vaal United Business Forum. NWU staff and other stakeholders also took part, strengthening cross-sector collaboration in entrepreneurship education.
The workshop culminated in awarding STEP Trainer certificates, officially recognising successful candidates as certified facilitators. In addition, two further NWU staff members were certified as STEP Master Trainers, bringing the total number of NWU Master Trainers to four. This marks an important milestone in the NWU's ability to scale and sustain the STEP programme in the university and its surrounding communities.
With this successful training, the NWU strengthens its role as a leader in entrepreneurial education, ensuring that future facilitators are well-equipped to nurture the next generation of business leaders.
According to Prof Luzaan Hamilton (newly certified STEP Master Trainer), the workshop was a significant step in expanding the reach and effectiveness of the STEP programme, since it not only equipped future trainers with vital entrepreneurial skills, but also fostered stronger partnerships across key sectors, enhancing the overall impact on community development and youth empowerment.
Newly certified STEP Master Trainer Annelie Steenkamp shares the sentiment that the STEP initiative at the NWU is a transformative programme designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with essential skills while enhancing the overall entrepreneurial ecosystem.
'By training facilitators to guide and inspire young entrepreneurs, we create a ripple effect of innovation and economic growth. This initiative highlights the NWU's commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, empowering individuals to turn their ideas into sustainable ventures, and driving a meaningful impact in our communities.'
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