RSA Minister of Minerals and Energy, Ms Phumzile MIambo-Ngcuka, recently visited the African Academy for Computer Assisted Engineering, based at the Boksburg premises of Bateman Project Holdings Limited (BATEMAN).

During the visit she supported the establishment of an advisory council for the Academy comprising representatives of the mining and engineering sectors aimed at ensuring that the Academy’s curriculum remains innovative, modern and adaptable. Discussions around such a council were initiated by BATEMAN, the founding and lead sponsor of the Academy.

The importance of determining what skills business requires is underscored by the success of the Academy’s graduates, who boast a consistently high placement record in the mining and engineering industries over the last 6 years. An aggregate of 82 % have found employment within months of graduating; a high proportion of the rest have chosen self employment. Without the opportunity afforded them by the Academy and its sponsors, these young people would probably have joined the ranks of the unemployed.

Integrating the current needs of the country, its youth and industries is fundamental to the way the Academy operates. It consults regularly with industry and technical colleges, technikons and leading bridging schools and is instrumental in the revision and modernisation of computer-assisted engineering and design training. The focus is on the common goal of producing graduates who have the potential ability to play an important role in the country’s future.

The Academy was established in 1994, when BATEMAN and senior industrialists and community representatives, motivated by the country’s shortage of technical skills particularly among previously disadvantaged sectors of the community, joined forces to seek a solution. The Academy now annually admits 50 students from towns and townships throughout Gauteng for its full one-year course in computer-aided design and draughting. The course is recognised inter alia by the S.A. Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the S.A. Institute of Draughtsmen and City and Guilds in London.

The Academy is a registered non-profit organisation funded by industry. It is an excellent example of how a significant impact can be made on society by bringing work-related skills available in the private sector to disadvantaged young people with potential.

Contact Debbie Prinsloo, Academy Administration and Operations Manager, on +27-11-892-1415, for more information.

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