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All image credits : © Cold Link Africa | Benjamin Brits
Every ammonia diploma that is signed at the Open Trade Traing Centre ( OTTC ) is considered very special as well as the recognition by celebration of each student ’ s achievement . Through hard work , problem solving and proving themselves in both the theoretical and practical aspects , this ensures that when graduates leave they are well-equipped to execute all of the work tasks that would be required of them . In her traditional address to the graduates , centre owner Isolde Dobelin always shares of her extensive experiences of life and business , and offers the graduates some motivation and guidance as they continue on in their respective careers . At this ceremony , she aimed to highlight |
Isolde Dobelin , centre owner , congratulates graduates and shares of her many years of experience in life , the business world and industry . |
the way of the future and rationale for the establishment of OTTC Skills City Africa that has been in the pipeline since 2005 – waiting for the right team and support structure to ensure its successful delivery . Her address also spoke to the importance of family business and supporting the communities that one lives in – which is also one of the main concepts of sustainable living such as a skills city , modelled out of her own home town in Germany .
“ Skills City Africa is meant for the people . What makes me truly happy is seeing people come to our training facility and leaving with a diploma that they can use to make a living . They are employable , add big benefits to their employer if already employed , and can even start their own businesses . This is what OTTC has always stood for . We know our diploma courses are tough and many students are shocked because its not an open book learning experience . Each learner has to put in the work themselves . Today we see that everything is all about computers and smart devices but this is actually creating a population without any fundamental skills . Even from an infant age , children are programmed to hold a phone or tablet in their hand as ‘ entertainment ’. What results is a generation of people without direction – people who don ’ t know how to do anything for themselves . Having a school where we can teach a variety of trades will change this scenario by developing individuals , even from a young age , and further ensure sustainable living . This is what we aim to achieve – I want to give people a real life ,” Dobelin said .
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The model of the ‘ skills city ’ concept has various outcomes including graduates being absorbed into companies , self employment , design and manufacturing of products and franchising to name a few , with a strong link to family structures . Looking at some of the biggest companies in the industry such as Danfoss , GEA , Bitzer , Robert Bosch – these international entities all grew from small family businesses with the objective of wanting to change the world .
“ The OTTC Skills City Africa concept is a model that can be replicated anywhere in Africa . Because of the electronics dilemma we face , entrepreneurial skills are also fading and in fact are one of the most sought after skills in the entire world . This trend has led the population to ‘ be scared of working with their hands ’ because they just don ’ t know how and have never participated in hands-on activity – making tradespeople a vital element of society now – people who have common sense which is another lost ability . Long gone are the days when people like my father and late husband did everything for themselves . Today ’ s generation spends too much time on social media , videos and television which is actually such a waste . Successful people like our students that have participated in World Skills have all come from family businesses too . As my late husband Peter taught his students – like family – you should focus on quality , don ’ t cheat your customers , be honest in all things and then whatever you put your mind to , you can achieve it ,” Dobelin closed off her address on .
Attendees also gained some insight around graduate numbers through OTTC
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Ana-Marie Sibiya , technical director at OTTC addressing the attendees . Her message was clear – making the most of every situation is up to each individual to use the knowledge gained .
over its 30 years of service to date : over 550 ammonia diplomas have been issued – graduatues now working at facilities all over the world , and more than 11 000 students have cumulatively passed through the centre – thus proving the significance of their impact in South Africa ( and other African countries ).
Ana-Marie Sibiya , technical director at OTTC , also took to address the graduates saying , “ Most of us here today are youngsters and from listening to Isolde , it ' s nice to know where things started . History and foundations are so important and legacy is something that must be carried forward .
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