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South African Youth Gain Access to Free Welding Training at Alstom Ubunye's New School

South African Youth Gain Access to Free Welding Training at Alstom Ubunye's New School
photo: Alstom/South African Youth Gain Access to Free Welding Training at Alstom Ubunye's New School
11 / 04 / 2023

The welding school, accredited by the South African Institute of Welding (SAIW), was opened by the Premier of Gauteng Province, Mr Panyaza Lesufi, on Friday, March 31 of this year. A class of unemployed youth from local communities in the greater Nigel area (Ekurhuleni) there, on Tuesday, April 4, started free accredited and certified professional welding training.

The newly opened school provides a wide range of theory and practical modules, which are developed under the guidance of industry experts and presented by qualified educators. In line with the digital and technological evolution, part of the training modules is a state-of-the-art Virtual Reality training programme. Before entering the physical welding lab itself, students will be initiated with virtual reality welding first, allowing the learner to gain a comprehension of welding terms and familiarity with the look and feel of welding.

Alstom Ubunyne CEO, Logan Naicker, noted, “Welding is a core skill in our production process of core mechanical components for trains and locomotives. Considering our growing operations and the need for rail-specific skills, we decided to invest in a welding school.”

“I support skills development, and today I’m really pleased to officially open the Alstom Ubunye welding school, which will equip youth with key skills. There’s a huge potential to link up with neighbouring schools of specialisation and develop future rail industry employees from the high school level. To re-industrialise Gauteng, we need industrial skills and welding is key in that skills revolution,” said Gauteng Premier Lesufi.

The course is on a learner contract and takes three years to complete. Once finished, learners receive a QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) registered qualification as well as the occupational certificate for the welder is NQF level 4.

“Welding is a core skill in our production process of core mechanical components for trains and locomotives. Considering our growing operations and the need for rail-specific skills, we decided to invest in a welding school. This school will create a talent database of trained welders who will benefit from employment opportunities that arise in our operations, as well as other companies running similar operations, which require professional welding skills and expertise,” added the CEO, Logan Naicker.

Alstom Ubunye manufactures electrical and mechanical components, including end-under-frames, bogies, and bogie frames. The electrical components include electrical boxes such as the traction converter, static converter or high voltage boxes. The site also makes looming products for the trains and provides service and maintenance solutions for locomotives and trains.

Source: Alstom

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