SEBOKENG. – The French South African Schneider Electric Centre (F’SASEC) hosted an Artisan Acceleration Day. The function was recently hosted at the Sedibeng TVET College, Sebokeng Campus. Zanelle Dalglish, Head of Sustainable Energy at Schneider Electric SA, said the day was aiming to bridge the gap between the TVET colleges and the universities.
“We train the students to be able to start their own businesses. They would also be able to employ others as part of job creation,” she said. Schneider Electric, as the main partner within this partnership, intends to create access to energy and education through the F’SASEC Foundation.
It also wants to equip underprivileged students and previously disadvantaged youth by training them about expectations within the industry.
One of the speakers, Heinrich van der Merwe, added that electricity makes sense within academic and technological fields and that investment on
electricity is a real factor in today’s future. “We must make sure our students are employable as part of the global village. The training centre offers
over 80% practical elements and 20% theoretical work to thoroughly equip and prepare students for different industries.
Mark Mfikoe, National Director of the Electrical Contractor Association, said that the ambitions of the students should be focussed on being the employers of tomorrow by thinking ahead.
“The TVET Colleges need to trade within the local economy. Electricity is very dangerous to work with and we require well-trained people to safely use and manage the use of electricity throughout the local economy.”
The event was graced by several delegates, including those from the French Embassy, Department of Higher Education and Training, Vaal University of Technology, College of Capetown, East Cape Midlands College, University of Johannesburg, Eskom, ArcelorMittal and Emfuleni Municipality.
