Associations
YOUNG ELECTRICIANS AIM FOR
TOP SPOT IN WORLD SKILLS SA COMPETITION
By CHIETA
CHIETA , the chemical industries Sector Education and Training Authority ( SETA ) hosted the WorldSkills South Africa ( WSZA ) National Competition for electrical installation skills in August at Ekurhuleni East TVET College .
This was an offsite competition that forms a part of the WSZA national competition which took place in KwaZulu Natal in June of this year .
The competition featured ten youngsters who pitted their electrical installation skills against each other for the top prize of a trip to Austria to participate at the WorldSkills International Competition later this year .
There are 10 competitors who are graduates and students from
TVET colleges around the country . They are :
• Phiwayinkosi Ntshangase , age 23
• Mogosi Thabo , 21
• Ebrahim Zuhayr , 22
• Nyamagele Zwilinzima , 21
• Mthokozisi Mabona , 23
• Ngaphi Avuye , 21
• Msibi Tlhopiso , 22
• Riba Sello , 22
• Byron Matthews , 21
• Angelo Snyders , 22
According to WorldSkills , electricians can expect to work in any location where there is electricity , from homes all the way through to massive electrical installations in offices , factories , and other large-scale plants . They need to be proficient in planning and designing , selecting and installing , commissioning , testing , reporting , maintaining , fault-finding , and repairing systems to a very high work and safety standard .
Additional skills that electricians need include organisational , self-management , communication , interpersonal , flexibility , and problem-solving . The three-day competition tested the competitors ’ skills in a range of tasks that reflect the skills needed and were set at the WorldSkills International Competition level .
WorldSkills promotes skilled careers in 72 member countries and regions , all working with youth , educators , governments , and industries , to prepare youth for jobs of the future . It is designed to give them the opportunity to compete , experience , and learn how to become the best in their chosen skill .
CHIETA chief executive officer ( CEO ), Mr Yershen Pillay said CHIETA has been taking part in the WorldSkills Competition for several years . “ We ’ re proud that South Africa can participate in
CHIETA
Young people who are selected to compete in World Skills competitions in South Africa are always at a world-class standard , and their selection inspires them to advance their careers .
WorldSkills International events on an equal footing with our global counterparts , which emphasises the high standards of artisanal training delivered by our TVET colleges in South Africa .”
“ This competition is also closely aligned to our mandate to develop chemical and engineering skills , and to the Department of Higher Education and Training ’ s ‘ Decade of the Artisan ’. Artisan development is a top priority in South Africa as we face both high unemployment and a dire shortage of skilled artisans . The prestige of the WorldSkills Competition encourages young people to recognise the value of artisanship as a career of choice that addresses skills shortages and delivers potential for a successful career or entrepreneurial venture ,” said the CEO .
CHIETA ’ s ongoing participation in the WorldSkills competition over the years has included funding for the competition , as well as support for the participants to ensure they have a good chance of winning , and to showcase their skills through the stages of the competition .
Pillay said the young people who are selected to compete in World Skills competitions in South Africa are always at a world-class standard , and their selection inspires them to advance their careers , while also inspiring other youngsters to embrace the opportunities they get given . “ It is our privilege as a SETA to play a role in enabling our youth to test their skills and knowledge against each other , and we wish every South African competition participant the best for the competition and their future careers . We look forward to seeing them succeed wherever their chosen careers take them ,” he concluded . RACA
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I October 2022 17