“With the achievement of a 96,9% pass rate, versus the national average of 70,7%, PROTEC learners from nine branches around the country, their teachers and corporate funders are still celebrating excellent results,” says Balan Moodley, CEO of PROTEC. “The privilege of a nurturing academic environment has proved to more than 400 PROTEC Matriculants last year, that with hard work, determination and the support of the PROTEC programme, their dreams for a bright future can be realised.

“PROTEC was established over 33 years ago, in recognition of the need to improve the critical shortage of engineers in South Africa. Through this programme, which runs in conjunction with provincial education departments and with the invaluable support of private sector funders, more than 30 000 learners from disadvantaged communities, are now qualified doctors, engineers, accountants, lawyers, educators and entrepreneurs.

“PROTEC is a national non-profit technological career development programme for senior school students. Learners are selected, not only for their aptitude in Mathematics and Physical Science, but their sheer determination to succeed is an attribute we value highly.”
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PROTEC offers an excellence programme in STEM education (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) that begins in Grade 10, continues through tertiary education and provides support in the early years of the work place. In the school phase, highly qualified PROTEC tutors provide extra tuition on Saturdays in Mathematics, Science and English. Academic studies are supplemented with World of Work (WoW) and a life orientation programme, computer skills, study assistance and career guidance – a holistic approach to help students achieve their full potential.

Learners also convene during school holidays for practical and theoretical tuition. Vacation schools include educational excursions or field trips to expose PROTEC students to the world of work in different industries, including civil, mechanical and electrical engineering.

Learners also participate in national practical projects and competitions, such as the SAICE bridge building, Aqualibrium (Water), F1 model racing cars powered by CO2, steam powered cars and the national robotics competition.

PROTEC learners not only benefit from the opportunity to achieve excellent Matric results, they also receive assistance in securing bursaries for further studies.

PROTEC is registered as an educational fund in terms of Section 18A (3) of the Income Tax Act of 1962. (reg. 18/9/2/11/262) and as a non-profit organisation in terms of the Non Profit Organisation act of 1997 (reg. 0001-335-NPO) All grants and donations are tax exempt.