Through hosting the WorldSkills 2014 competition’s mechatronic pre-national finals, industrial control and automation company Festo would promote and support skills development.
Festo said the mechatronic competition would give schoolchildren, trainees and students insight into what skills a mechatronic engineer required, as well as the day-to-day workings of a mechatronics engineering.
“People will understand this career path and what makes people choose it. By informing and showcasing this discipline, we are playing a vital role in the lives and careers of potential engineers.
“Education is the basis for a successful future; Festo will always take an active role in educating and training – the synergy between the concept of WorldSkills and this philosophy is what makes hosting part of this global competition so exciting,” Festo business development manager Russel Schwulst said.
He added that Festo had found actively promoting technical education and training essential for market success, innovation and sustainability.
“Politicians have been dealing with issues including skills shortages and lack of interest in subjects such as mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology for a number of years. This is where Festo can make a significant contribution by promoting new talent,” Schwulst explained.
“Our association with a competition such as WorldSkills, where new talent is promoted and celebrated is testament to this and it is an honour to be able to provide continued support for such an important, global event,” he added.
The mechatronic pre-national finals would be held at the Festo head office, in Johannesburg, from December 1 to 3, after which the winners would proceed to the national finals in Cape Town.
The winners of the national competition would then take part in the international competition in Brazil in 2015.