BUSINESS
Our decision to build a
Technical Training Academy
was motivated by our goal
to develop exceptional
candidates for our workshop
and site team environments,
combined with the
tremendous skills shortage
faced by the country –
Ruben Lamprecht,
GM, thyssenkrupp
Service Centre
Naledi Pandor (second from right), Minister of Higher Education & Training, with
thyssenkrupp senior management; from left: Ruben Lamprecht,Thabo Molekoa,
Philipp Nellessen, and Marcel Fasswald.
that houses state-of-the-art equipment that are in demand in our economy for the workplace or self-employment.
such as lathes; milling machines; and we are keen to expand industry In this regard, the programme is
hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical partnerships with our TVET colleges deliberately structured in such a
simulators; as well as all practical that will contribute to the production way that students will develop and
models required for technical training. of relevant skills. Such a partnership maintain close working relationships
The 483m 2 first floor is equipped with exists between Ekurhuleni West College with employers in their areas of study,
high-end tools to conduct, simulate, and this company. The department through equally close partnerships
and annotate certain principles would like TVET colleges to expand between colleges and employers. The
and circuitry within the classroom the provision of mid-level technical programme will achieve its objectives
environment. Customised programmes and occupational qualifications. In by focusing on the development of
developed in-house in accordance other words, government wants more the 13 trades in high demand for the
with thyssenkrupp standards will be young people to attain skills and country’s infrastructure projects. The
presented using a blend of e-learning, competencies that will help them find list of priority trades that have been
classroom training, as well as practical jobs or create their own enterprises,” identified include those for bricklayers,
applications. she added. electricians, boilermakers, plumbers,
Naledi Pandor, Minister of Higher
16
The minister went on to elaborate
automotive and diesel mechanics,
Education & Training, attended that recently, the Department of Higher carpenters and joiners, welders, fitters
the opening. Commenting on the Education and Training launched an and turners, and riggers,” explained
partnership between TVET colleges initiative that focuses on the teaching Pandor.
and thyssenkrupp Technical Training of 13 trade occupations at 26 TVET Academy, she said, “thyssenkrupp colleges. This initiative, known as the Technical Training Customer Focused
Industrial Solutions South Africa Centres of Specialisation Programme, Programme is uniquely designed to
is a company which is part of the is designed to address the growing equip apprentices with the necessary
Construction Sector Education and demand for the skills needed in our foundation-building knowledge to
Training Authority, and is involved current state infrastructure build. “The launch their careers in the industry.
with four other Sector Education programme is part of our plan to build Artisans undergo equipment training
and Training Authorities — in an expanded, effective, and integrated on all products (with e-learning
training apprentices in boilermaking, post-school education system that is programmes available on some
mechanical fitting, and welding,” anchored by the TVET colleges, and equipment), on-the-job training
acknowledged Pandor. “These are skills which adequately prepares students (coaching sessions; assessments via
FEBRUARY 2019
In support of this, thyssenkrupp‘s
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