Volkswagen Group Africa, in association with Rubicon, Siemens, Kruger-Duxbury Solutions, Robot Technology South Africa and Electrical Mechanical Engineering has recently donated a new state of the art Automation Training Cell to Daniel Pienaar Technical High School.
The cell consists of two Kuka robots, two control panels, two pendants, one gripper and attachment, teaching equipment, safety fencing, basic safety and automation training, electrical drawings and sign off documentation for hand -over.
This initiative will provide learners the opportunity to learn, programme and understand the various components of the integral part of industry manufacturing.
Volkswagen’s primary objective is to increase local home-grown representation in the automotive industry. This initiative also adds industry- relevant learning opportunities to technical school base knowledge, provides training in basic robot programming, while also creating an interest and exposure to learners at an early stage in the field of robotics, mechatronics, automation and engineering.
Bernd Schaberg, the Head of Planning at Volkswagen SA, said, “Volkswagen Group Africa has a Technical Learning Academy which works closely with the Manufacturing Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority to ensure a regular pool of artisans are produced through the apprenticeship programme.”
The skills in demand are electrical engineering, mechatronics, millwright, transport electrician, motor mechanics and welding.
Schaberg added that, “Apprentices are recruited from the three streams, which include, VWGA employees who wish to upskill, employees’ children, and local community youth who are studying at Tertiary Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges.”
In their apprenticeship, candidates gain and receive knowledge and exposure in plant where they can get job experience in their desired field. The completion of this training will deem the learners ready to take the National Trade Assessment.
The learners will also get other opportunities like the Youth Employment Services training, work readiness training programme, graduate training programme and in-service training.
The Principal of Daniel Pienaar said, “For our learners going the artisan route, they need to know how the machines work. The installation of these machines will help them get familiar with these types of machines.”
She also added,
An electrical engineering learner from Daniel Pienaar Technical High School, Jaco Ferreira said, “Before coming to Daniel Pienaar, I didn’t really know what I want to do after school, now I know exactly what I want to do. We are fortunate enough to learn theory in class and go to the workshop for practicals.”
