As part of its domestic commitment to address South Africa’s shortage of engineers, global engineering firm Siemens is placing three top-performing South African grade 12 students in the Siemens Apprenticeship Scheme, thereby granting them a place to undergo further training in Germany.

The students, Kelly Moorosi (19), Joseph Shandlale (22) and Hendri Meintjies (22) finished top of a list of more than 1 000 applicants for the all-expenses-paid 3.5-year theoretical and practical training in electrical and mechanical engineering in Berlin.

According to Siemens, the students’ careers are “well on track because they are guaranteed skilled employment” at Siemens in South Africa upon their return home. “We are identifying top talent and training the engineers of tomorrow,” says Siemens South Africa corporate affairs, human resources and sustainability executive director Clifford Klaas.

He adds that the three students are being nurtured and developed from the beginning of their careers, with benefits both to the individuals and the wider economy.

Following months of interviews and screening, the three successful apprentices were selected based on their performances in grade 12 mathematics and science, in addition to their personal and professional aspirations.

Having departed South Africa on July 30 to begin their induction in August, the students will undergo an intensive five-month course in German language. During their apprenticeship, the students will get work placements in many Siemens business units so they can apply what they learn at the Werner-von-Siemens Vocational School and the laboratory of Siemens Professional Education.

“Kelly, Joseph and Hendri are future engineering pioneers for Siemens South Africa and we are proud to be sending them to our international operations. I am confident they will excel during their training and bring their new skills and experience back home to benefit South Africa,” says Klaas.

The three apprentices say their apprenticeship will be life changing. “Siemens has provided an opportunity I never thought possible. I will make the most of my apprenticeship and return home to pursue a career in mechatronics,” says Moorosi.

The Siemens Apprenticeship Scheme was first introduced to Africa in Egypt in 2014. Given the strong interest in the programme in South Africa, the company plans to expand the programme. This complements Siemens’ other successful skills and career development initiatives that result in 97% of participants securing full-time employment at Siemens.