All third-year apprentices from thyssenkrupp’s training facility at its Service Centre in Chloorkop achieved a 100% pass rate on the first attempt of their trade tests!

During the trade tests the apprentices - four mechanical fitters, two boilermakers and a welder and a machinist – were also assessed on their theoretical and practical acumen. Upon successful completion of the trade tests each apprentice was issued with a detailed report of the assessment results as well as a trade test certificate.

“We are extremely proud of our apprentices,” states Willie Potgieter, (Apprentice Program Manager Artisan Training)  at thyssenkrupp’s Technical Training Academy. “These excellent results bear testament to their hard work and dedication and are also a good reflection of in-depth knowledge-, skills- and experience-transfer between the facilitators and the apprentices. There is no doubt that their future career paths hold infinite possibilities.”

Potgieter adds that this achievement holds benefits for thyssenkrupp as well as its customers. “We are in the enviable position to be able to source the best apprentices emerging from our programme. As our apprentices are exposed to workshop specific repairs on thyssenkrupp equipment, our customers can rest assured that they are in the capable hands of competent, well-trained people.”

The 36-month Apprentice Programme has been carefully developed with a dual focus; alongside the theoretical aspects, apprentices are also afforded the opportunity to gain invaluable hands-on experience. Furthermore, they are given the opportunity to participate in major repairs on customer sites, under supervision of qualified mentors.

thyssenkrupp first introduced its Apprentice Programme in 2015. Of the 40 apprentices that have participated in the programme to date, 22 have passed the trade test of which twelve were offered positions within thyssenkrupp. The balance are currently busy with Phase 2 & 3 in the Training Academy. The success of this programme recently saw the construction of a brand new Technical Training Academy, an investment of 28m ZAR to be able to train 36 apprentices per year.

“The aim of our Academy is to expand our first class technical training programmes to raise the technical proficiencies and standards of our industry and to set further benchmarks for excellence on the African continent. We develop exceptional skills for Africa in Africa,” states Philipp Nellessen, CEO of thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions Sub-Sahara Africa. “In addition to addressing the tremendous skills shortage faced by the country our Academy will enable us to develop exceptional candidates for both our workshop and site team environments.”

This new training facility includes a 831 sqm workshop which houses state-of-the-art equipment such as lathes, milling machines, hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical simulators as well as all practical models required for the technical training.

The 483 sqm upper floor is equipped with high-end tools to conduct, simulate and annotate certain principles and circuitry within the classroom environment. Customised programmes developed in-house in accordance with thyssenkrupp standards will be presented using a blend of e-learning, class room training as well as practical applications. Not forgetting its responsibility to local communities, the programme also involves a community development initiative.

In conclusion: Potgieter reaffirms thyssenkrupp’s commitment to constantly enhance its product and service levels to customers. “One sure way to achieve this is to upskill our employees and our Apprentice Programme makes this possible. The fact that we achieved a 100% pass rate is indicative of the high standards of the programmes we offer.”