As part of our ongoing series profiling students who are studying SAMTRAC courses at NOSA College, we had the opportunity to sit down with Liyema Emam, a 20-year-old student from Newcastle, currently residing in Musgrave, Durban. Liyema’s passion for workplace health and safety is evident in her enthusiasm for the Safety Management Training Course (SAMTRAC), which she believes will not only enhance her employment prospects but also equip her with the knowledge to make a meaningful impact in her community.

Liyema’s journey with SAMTRAC began when she completed an introductory course last year, which sparked her interest in learning more about workplace health and safety. Her dedication and potential were recognised by Nosa College, which selected her for a learnership programme. This opportunity has not only provided Liyema with a deeper understanding of the subject matter but also instilled in her a sense of purpose and direction.

“The learnership has been an incredible experience,” Liyema shares. “I’m learning so much about the health and safety of workplaces, and it’s giving me a lot of knowledge about the conditions that people should be working in. It’s really opened my eyes to the importance of prioritising safety in the workplace.”

Liyema is particularly impressed with the informative nature of the classes at NOSA College, highlighting the practical exercises that aid future employment opportunities. “The facilitators are very informative with their teaching,” she notes. “They give you exercises that will help you later on in the future, which is really valuable.”

For Liyema, studying SAMTRAC is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s also about empowering herself with the skills and expertise needed to succeed in her chosen career. She believes that the course will increase her chances of getting employed and potentially even open up opportunities overseas.

“Studying SAMTRAC will definitely give me an edge in the job market,” Liyema asserts. “It’s a highly respected qualification that demonstrates my commitment to workplace health and safety. I’m really excited about the possibilities that this course will bring.”

In the long term, Liyema’s goal is to open her own health and safety office, which she will manage while pursuing engineering as her primary career. This venture will serve as a secondary income source, allowing her to diversify her skills and expertise.

“My ultimate goal is to have my own health and safety office,” Liyema reveals. “I want to be able to manage it on my own and use the knowledge and skills I’ve gained through SAMTRAC to make a real difference in people’s lives. It’s a challenging but rewarding career path, and I’m excited to see where it takes me.”