VEREENIGING – Sedibeng TVET College has officially launched its Schneider Electric workshop, F’SASEC, at its Vereeniging campus in the Vaal Triangle.
This sophisticated training facility features world-class benches generously donated by the Schneider Electric Foundation, marking a significant advancement in technical education and industry-aligned skills development.
Regional network expansion
The new facility forms part of the French Southern African Schneider Electric Education Centre (F’SASEC) network, which unites leading institutions across the region. Partner institutions include Don Bosco Malawi, Don Bosco Mozambique, and prominent South African establishments such as the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Vaal University of Technology (VUT), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Sedibeng TVET College Sebokeng Campus, College of Cape Town (CCT), Eastcape Midlands College (EMC), and Ukufunda Youth Development.
Cutting-edge training equipment
The Schneider Electric workshop features specialised training benches designed by Amtec Techniquip in collaboration with Schneider Electric. These installations provide students with comprehensive practical experience in both domestic and industrial electrical applications, ensuring graduates possess industry-relevant skills.
Proven track record
Speaking at the launch event, Zanélle Dalglish, Global Leader: Training & Education Affairs at Schneider Electric, emphasised the company’s enduring commitment to bridging the gap between education and industry through innovation and practical training.
“At the Sedibeng TVET College in Vereeniging, over 1,400 students have already been trained on Schneider Electric equipment, whilst at the Sebokeng campus in Vanderbijlpark, that number exceeds 3,500. This remarkable milestone speaks to the lasting strength of our partnership,” Dalglish noted.
“The new Schneider Electric workshop not only meets global standards but also provides students with an environment that develops real-world problem-solving skills, ensuring they are workplace-ready and prepared for the jobs of the future.”
Building on success
The unveiling of the new workshop builds upon a journey that commenced in 2012 at the Vaal University of Technology with a Centre of Excellence. This initiative subsequently evolved to include other institutions, including Sedibeng’s Sebokeng campus, which began with a modest domestic wiring laboratory and has since expanded into multiple facilities, encompassing industrial wiring and automation laboratories.
The Vereeniging workshop extends this initiative to provide enhanced access to world-class practical electrical training for South African youth.
Academic leadership perspective
Dr MG Mothabo, Principal of Sedibeng TVET College, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership and the opportunities it creates for students.
“The Schneider Electric Workshop offers real-world and practical scenarios and problem-solving that are invaluable when pursuing a career in the electrical industry. The facility is world-class and ensures that our students are well positioned for successful careers in this critical field.”
Government and international support
The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) welcomed the initiative, acknowledging that partnerships of this nature are essential to addressing challenges such as skills development, infrastructure, and industry alignment in South Africa’s TVET colleges.
Representatives from the French Embassy in South Africa and the French South African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FSACCI) also attended this significant milestone, underscoring the international dimension of this educational collaboration.
Future impact
This initiative represents a substantial investment in South Africa’s technical education infrastructure, positioning students to meet the evolving demands of the electrical industry whilst strengthening the pipeline of skilled technicians essential for economic development.
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