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Business
SOFTWARE EMPOWERS ENGINEERS THROUGH SPECIALISED TRAINING
By Eamonn Ryan
A concerning statistic is that South Africa currently has only one registered professional engineer for every 3 100 people, a stark contrast to developed nations like Germany where the comparative ration is 1:200, according to the Engineering Council of South Africa( ECSA).
This underscores the urgent need for increased investment in engineering training to ensure South Africa can compete on a global scale. South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering( SAIMechE) accredited training provides a distinct advantage, making professionals more marketable and providing them with recognised certifications that meet industry demands.
Staying ahead in mechanical engineering requires more than just foundational knowledge. Continuous professional development, particularly through specialised training, is the cornerstone of maintaining cutting-edge expertise and a competitive edge, Lee-Anne Kylander and Werner Theron of Chempute Software told a workshop at ElectraMining 2024.
Chempute Software, a company accredited by SAIMechE, is involved in refining and enhancing the skills of engineers across various disciplines such as HVAC & R.
Theron, CAD application manager at Chempute Software, alongside Kylander, training and marketing coordinator, presented insights into their specialised training programmes, emphasising their direct alignment with critical industry needs. Established in 1986, Chempute Software has a long-standing history of providing PC-based engineering software solutions, initially focusing on the chemical process industry and subsequently expanding to encompass mechanical, instrumentation engineering, plant safety, and asset integrity management. Their portfolio also includes a wide array of CAD applications, spanning plant design to civil engineering, primarily sourced from leading developers in Europe and the US.
" Our goal is to provide quality training that upskills engineers as much as possible," stated Kylander, highlighting Chempute ' s commitment to customer satisfaction, evidenced by a rigorous feedback mechanism to continuously improve their training centre. Theron noted the dynamic nature of the South African engineering and industry sectors, driven by technical advancements and socioeconomic changes, further amplified by disruptive technologies like 3D printing and AI. This environment places a significant emphasis on specialised training as a crucial investment in building a skilled workforce capable of executing successful projects.
The complexity of modern engineering designs necessitates proficiency in sophisticated software packages, a gap that Chempute Software effectively addresses through its comprehensive training courses. Completing these specialised programmes enhances individual productivity while simultaneously contributing to the successful completion of complex projects. The integration of SAIMechE and ECSA accreditation into their courses adds significant value, recognising these qualifications as prerequisites for many engineering appointments.
Chempute Software offers a diverse range of SAIMechE accredited training, categorised into key engineering sectors. Mechanical Software training primarily centres on piping and pressure vessel software. A second category, Mechanical Engineering theory courses, delves into specific industry codes such as the ASME B31.3 pressure piping code, vibration and fatigue in piping systems, and an introduction to FEA for pressure vessel design, as well as the EN 13480 code.
" Highly qualified instructors with decades of industry experience deliver our training programmes," it was emphasised, highlighting the key benefits of choosing this training provider. With a proven track record in training delivery extending back to 2002, the organisation offers experienced instructors and modern facilities equipped with the latest software. Recognising the diverse needs of their clientele, they provide tailored programmes that can be customised to specific team requirements. Furthermore, flexible training delivery options are available, encompassing both classroom-based sessions at their training centre and convenient online training sessions, catering to clients across South Africa.
The target audience for their programmes includes mechanical engineers, piping design engineers, stress analysis engineers, and professionals working with 3D and 2D CAD software. Their hands-on application methodology ensures that participants gain practical experience utilising the software under the guidance of experienced instructors, employing comprehensive and up-todate training materials.
The importance of staying current with industry codes, which are frequently revised, was underscored, highlighting the ongoing relevance of the training provided.
For organisations seeking cost-effective training solutions, customised on-premises training is also offered, bringing their expert presenters directly to client locations across South Africa. Addressing the flexibility of online training, it was clarified that their online sessions are generally live presentations to safeguard proprietary content. However, the provider demonstrates flexibility in accommodating individuals who may miss scheduled sessions due to work demands, offering the possibility of arranging alternative times with their instructors.
In conclusion, this provider, through its industry-accredited specialised training programmes, equips engineers with the crucial skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in today ' s demanding engineering environment, significantly contributing to professional development and driving engineering excellence across various sectors. RACA
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RACA Journal I July 2025 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za