{"id":51755,"date":"2021-06-18T17:34:32","date_gmt":"2021-06-18T15:34:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/mthathaexpress\/watch-understanding-mechatronics-as-a-possible-career-20210618\/"},"modified":"2025-03-20T15:51:04","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T13:51:04","slug":"watch-understanding-mechatronics-as-a-possible-career-20210618","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novanews.co.za\/mthathaexpress\/watch-understanding-mechatronics-as-a-possible-career-20210618\/","title":{"rendered":"WATCH: Understanding mechatronics as a possible career"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div contenteditable=\"false\" data-embed24=\"YouTube\" data-pos=\"middle\" id=\"embed_ede3905f\"><iframe allowfullscreen=\"\" frameborder=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/nRXLU_tCTqY\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>EP Media and Isuzu held its second online career webinar on June 17, with experts giving high school learners a lot of advice and food for thought on choosing a career in mechatronics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So what is mechatronics? In a nutshell \u2013 mechatronics focuses on the engineering of electronic, electrical and mechanical engineering systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587lGE\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587ZhG\">\n<p>The panellists selected for this first webinar are experts and students in the field of mechantronics.<\/p>\n<p>First up on our team of panellists was&nbsp;<strong>Professor Igor Gorlach<\/strong>, the Isuzu chair of mechatronics, responsible for a strategic university-industry partnership. In 2004, Prof Gorlach moved to Nelson Mandela University (NMU), where, as the head of department, was responsible for establishing the bachelor degree in mechatronics.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U4019257445879ED\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U4019257445872WC\">\n<p>Also on the panel was&nbsp;<strong>Etienne Venter<\/strong>&nbsp;from Isuzu. Etienne has been working in the automotive industry for the past 24 years. He is currently working at Isuzu Motors South Africa and is responsible for manufacturing engineering at Isuzu\u2019s manufacturing operations in Gqeberha. He is responsible for all manufacturing projects in the assembly plant. This includes the planning, design and implementation of projects to support change in the manufacturing environment. These projects include structural engineering projects, mechanical engineering and controls and automation and is often a combination of all of these elements.<\/p>\n<p>To tell us more about mechatronics from a current student\u2019s perspective we had&nbsp;<strong>Akhanya Qokweni<\/strong>&nbsp;on the panel. He is currently a final-year student in mechatronics engineering at Nelson Mandela University, working on his final year project under the Chair of mechatronics, with the support of Isuzu. Akhanya, who is 23 years old, was born and raised in Dutywa, a small town in the Eastern Cape. He currently holds a National Senior Certificate (matric) and is pursuing his bachelor of engineering degree in mechatronics (honours).<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587LCG\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U4019257445875nH\">\n<p><strong>Nyameko Mlonzi<\/strong>, who is a student recruitment specialist in marketing and communications at NMU, told learners more about the application and admission requirements as well as the bursary options.<\/p>\n<p>The Isuzu chair of mechatronics at NMU allows mechatronics students to design special projects and gain workplace experience at Isuzu. Engineers at Isuzu identify projects and then students come up with solutions.<\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587DI\">The initial chair was created in 2009, in collaboration with GMSA, and rebranded as the Isuzu chair in 2018.<p><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U4019257445874yD\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U4019257445876OI\">\n<p>The chair also facilitates applied research and knowledge transfer between industry and academia. It also provides support for junior students, especially from the previously disadvantaged communities, to bridge the gap between school and university.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\" data-embed24=\"Images\" data-pos=\"middle\" id=\"embed_b9dc6350\">\n<div class=\"slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Professor Igor Gorlach\" data-smallsrc=\"https:\/\/cdn.24.co.za\/files\/Cms\/General\/d\/11282\/47ecdd40d75f4bec94582c0b8bf6ca19.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.24.co.za\/files\/Cms\/General\/d\/11282\/0e3673e3caad463ab95e701ff8406870.jpg\" title=\"Professor Igor Gorlach\"><p><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\">Professor Igor Gorlach<\/div>\n<div class=\"img_accreditation\"><span class=\"source\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><span class=\"photographer\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Tell us more about the Isuzu chair of mechatronics and its purpose in a nutshell. What is the most important aspect of this chair for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U401925744587tdE\"><strong><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U401925744587tdE\"><strong>Prof. Gorlach:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;The South African government identified a shortage of technical and engineering skills in the country a long time ago. The focus of this chair is to help develop young engineers, equip them with certain skills that enable them when they enter the industry to contribute from day one. By having students involved in real industrial projects we allow them to gain the required skills. Working with factory engineers on projects, they also quickly gain an understanding of the work environment and that\u2019s what is important for us. We are kind of building the bridge between academia and the industry. That\u2019s the most important thing our chair is contributing in this regard.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\" data-embed24=\"Images\" data-pos=\"middle\" id=\"embed_7b0efd67\">\n<div class=\"slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Akhanya Qokweni \" data-smallsrc=\"https:\/\/cdn.24.co.za\/files\/Cms\/General\/d\/11282\/451d880286d64e6da11fe7e798a98805.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.24.co.za\/files\/Cms\/General\/d\/11282\/a166d930a7134776849f51857b6ffa99.jpg\" title=\"Akhanya Qokweni \"><p><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\">Akhanya Qokweni <\/div>\n<div class=\"img_accreditation\"><span class=\"source\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><span class=\"photographer\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>Coming from a small town in the Eastern Cape, where did you learn about mechatronics and what made you decide to become a Mechatronics student at NMU?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U401925744587DhB\"><strong><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U401925744587DhB\"><strong>Akhanya:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;Coming from a small town with poor network coverage, I also didn\u2019t know about the course. But then during my matric year, agents from the university came and presented different courses, including mechatronics. I just fell in love with the course. Looking at the current market and the fact that we as a generation are moving forward, we are automating, so I thought it was a great idea to take the course. Looking at the current crisis of the country where there is a huge unemployment rate, I thought it would be a good idea to pick one of the courses that are scarce because it means that there\u2019s a larger availability of employment.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\" data-embed24=\"Images\" data-pos=\"middle\" id=\"embed_67bb2654\">\n<div class=\"slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Etienne Venter \" data-smallsrc=\"https:\/\/cdn.24.co.za\/files\/Cms\/General\/d\/11282\/ee8a7b0c978f424db1ac600ca40a0bdd.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.24.co.za\/files\/Cms\/General\/d\/11282\/58ee2cf90b8d4cedbcb0cc89c344d26a.jpg\" title=\"Etienne Venter \"><p><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\">Etienne Venter <\/div>\n<div class=\"img_accreditation\"><span class=\"source\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><span class=\"photographer\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>How is Mechatronics applied in the work place at Isuzu Motors South Africa?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U401925744587UkH\"><strong>Etienne:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;Isuzu, in its manufacturing operations use people with mechatronic skills that are applied in the design and installation, the upkeep of all manufacturing processes. These include mechanical and electrical applications in our body shop, paint shop and also our assembly shop. About 90% of our manufacturing solutions in our factory have some level of intelligence to ensure consistent and repeatable operation. So these applications include, and is often a combination of, various systems and these systems could be anything from a transfer system to move the unit through the production process, to a welding system which could consist of geometry tooling, robotics, welding equipment, a transfer system and even things like ventilation is interlinked with that system. It could be a paint application or a production monitoring system, even a system to measure a unit. Thus the resources to design, implement and maintain these systems are experts in control and automation systems and software application. In a nutshell, mechatronics is a key enabler for technological advancement in the manufacturing environment here at Isuzu.<\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587rPD\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587EtH\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587MOE\">\n<p><strong>How do the chair activities benefit mechatronics students and Isuzu?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587IzC\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587wvG\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587P0E\">\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U401925744587ERB\"><strong>Prof Gorlach:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;For students, I think the big advantage is that they are getting real industrial projects to work on. They need to demonstrate their problem solving skills in the design of various systems, from the basic one to very complex ones, and they are all real industrial systems. They also communicate with engineers about their designs and get feedback which also helps them learn quicker and improve their knowledge. Moving from the theory to real practice is their real advantage. For Isuzu, besides contributing to the academia, they are also benefiting by gaining some basic conceptual designs for some new problems that might come into the factory with new vehicles. For Isuzu, the benefit is supporting young engineers who will come into the industry in a short period of time. I think it\u2019s mutually beneficial collaboration for industry and for university students \u2013 and for the community at large.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What would you say is the hardest aspect of mechatronics engineering so far, for you?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587shG\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U4019257445877jG\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587HIG\">\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U401925744587VgC\"><strong>Akanya:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;Mechatronics involves various systems \u2013 mechanical, electrical and control systems \u2013 and even a little bit of computer science. Having it all is nice, but it might get overwhelming and cause time management problems. For me it\u2019s balancing the workload and your social life and being a young adult. I would say it\u2019s basically balancing everything out.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Is this qualification recognised overseas? If they study mechatronics at NMU, is it accredited in other parts of the country and the world?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U4019257445872UE\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587ktF\">\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U401925744587meF\"><strong>Prof Gorlach:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;Yes, our programme is accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa according to specific standards and those standards are recognised by a group of countries around the world. That means that our graduates can go to countries around the world and their degree is recognised as valid in their particular field.<\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587v3E\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587Uw\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U4019257445873hC\">\n<p><strong>What is the career scope for mechatronic engineers now and in the future in the manufacturing industry?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U401925744587lJ\"><strong>Etienne:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;The field of mechatronics is very promising when it comes to job opportunities. Mechatronics is a combination of various fields of engineering. You are essentially combing a broad range of skills in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and also computer science and control systems. Due to this very fact the field of mechatronics has a wide area of application, not only in the manufacturing industry but also in mining, agricultural, telecommunications, and even FMC (fast moving consumable goods) in the pharmaceutical and beverage industries. In medical advancement, people are also moving towards automation, like robotics. We also see it in finance and business fields. The multidisciplinary skills and knowledge in the field of mechatronics engineering give a solid base that you need to solve complex engineering problems. It will also give you a big picture perspective, flexibility and adaptability, and these are all key components of career success.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You mentioned that you are working on a final year project for Isuzu, what does that project entail?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587KgH\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587vOC\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587yeC\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U4019257445871CI\">\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U401925744587PgB\"><strong>Akanya:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;For the requirement of the degree each student has to complete a project. You have to design it and manufacture it. The requirements for the project is that it should demonstrate mechanical engineering and also electrical control systems. It\u2019s a mechatronics device. My project is a durability test machine. It\u2019s for a tailgate car door handle.A common practice in engineering is engineers designing a part and then adding some requirements or specifications to it. During manufacturing, they test it to see if it conforms to the specifications. This machine isolates the handle and then it does what we call a durability test for fatigue testing. It goes through 50\u2009000 cycles, opening and closing the handle to see how it performs.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Would you consider the job of mechatronics engineers as high impact and if so, why?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587Zn\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587huH\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587BjH\">\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U401925744587gxG\"><strong>Etienne:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;Yes, I would definitely agree with that statement. The jobs in mechatronics are expected to grow rapidly in the next ten years. The Department of Labour and Industry has identified mechatronics as an emerging field that will be both high priority and high impact. As civilisation makes great strides in technological advancement, the manufacturing industry has experienced a big boost with the introduction of new automation concepts. Mechatronics is fast becoming a popular way for companies to produce goods with the quality and speed modern consumers have come to expect. What mechatronics does for us is save time in the manufacturing operation. An integrated production line is much faster in operation compared to a system where different engineering departments are detached from one another. It enables increase in output. Mechatronics has made it easy to manufacture mass amounts of products. It also improves quality and is more cost effective.<\/p>\n<div contenteditable=\"false\" data-embed24=\"Images\" data-pos=\"middle\" id=\"embed_b4ffc7a9\">\n<div class=\"slide\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Nyameko Mlonzi\" data-smallsrc=\"https:\/\/cdn.24.co.za\/files\/Cms\/General\/d\/11282\/ccf926805ece41b0bbe0922ac5acd8fc.jpg\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.24.co.za\/files\/Cms\/General\/d\/11282\/c04737ddef524558bd0e38a338287a2d.jpg\" title=\"Nyameko Mlonzi\"><p><\/p>\n<div class=\"caption\">Nyameko Mlonzi<\/div>\n<div class=\"img_accreditation\"><span class=\"source\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><span class=\"photographer\" style=\"display:none;\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><strong style=\"font-size:1.16em;\">For learners wanting to study for a BEng: Mechatronics<\/strong><br><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587zMC\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587gsB\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587hoF\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587l7C\">\n<p><strong>When are applications open and when do they close?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/h3>\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U4019257445874XB\"><strong>Nyameko:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;Applications opened on May 3. They are closing on August 5 for early applications. Late applications will only close on September 30.<\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U4019257445879OI\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587q1H\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587X9B\">\n<p><strong>Can learners apply with March results?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U401925744587ShD\"><strong>Nyameko:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;You need your Grade 11 final results. If you apply with Grade 12 results, then you will need your June results. It is advisable for them to use their Grade 11 final results, because June results are not out yet, to avoid losing out on a space.<\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587Nb\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587H3B\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587U0\">\n<p><strong>What is the application fee?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U4019257445875wG\"><strong>Nyameko:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;For all applications at NMU, it is free to apply. We don\u2019t charge an application fee.<\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587cMH\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587QN\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587HaH\">\n<p><strong>Can I apply for a course and change later?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U4019257445875HH\"><strong>Nyameko:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;Yes, you can, provided you meet the minimum requirements. With the application process, you are only allowed to change your second choice. If you want to change your first choice, then you would need to inform the admissions department in writing. They will respond. Provided you meet the minimum requirements, they will look into your application.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Funding opportunities? How does NSFAS work?<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U4019257445875TF\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587skC\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587MUF\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587XhE\">\n<p><span class=\"span\" id=\"U401925744587juC\"><strong>Nyameko:<\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;It is centralised at the university now. You apply yourself. The minute you have your NMU student number you can apply without actually having to accept; you can reserve your space at NSFAS using your student number. This is because NSFAS has a different closing date than the university and you might lose out if you wait for the outcome. So ask them to reserve funding for you. They have their own requirements, but once you\u2019ve been accepted they will notify us in writing and then we\u2019ll administer those funds on their behalf. Additionally, there are a lot of other funding opportunities out there. There are bursaries, and other options, depending on what you want to study. I always encourage students to not leave all their eggs in one basket. Widen your net, send applications for different bursaries.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Visit&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/myfuture.mandela.ac.za\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>https:\/\/myfuture.mandela.ac.za\/<\/strong><\/a>&nbsp;to obtain career guidance, funding information, and more from NMU.\n<p><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"text\" id=\"U401835405129jUC\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587t5B\">\n<h3><strong>Using these webinars in class<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>These webinars are recorded and can be used by life orientation teachers in class for learners who could not attend the live webinars.<\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401835405129BgC\">\n<p>The benefit of attending the free live webinar is that learners have the opportunity to ask questions to the expert panellists.<\/p>\n<p>And they can win a prize for their school \u2013 an advert in either&nbsp;<em>PE Express<\/em>,&nbsp;<em>UD Express<\/em>&nbsp;or&nbsp;<em>Komani-Karoo Express<\/em>&nbsp;to the value of R6\u2009000.<\/p>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401835405129hGC\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U40192574458707D\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587A2D\">\n<p><strong>The next career webinars presented by Isuzu and Express will focus on:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Artificial intelligence on July 22 at 17:00<\/li>\n<li>Education on August 19 at 17:00<\/li>\n<li>Journalism on September 23 at 17:00<\/li>\n<li>Logistics on October 21 at 17:00<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587pC\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587w0E\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587X0\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587ZbD\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401835405129GPF\">\n<div class=\"p\" id=\"U401925744587mu\">You will find more information on our upcoming webinars on the&nbsp;<em>Express<\/em>&nbsp;Facebook pages. Here you will also find a link to the recording of the webinars.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Our second career webinar focused on mechatronics, with experts giving high school learners a lot of advice and food for thought on choosing a career in this 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