F’SASEC TRAINING ENABLES TWO VUT EMPLOYEES TO ACQUIRE ARTISANSHIP THROUGH PATIENCE AND HUNGER FOR SUCCESS
By Thomas Rasehloka 24 August 2022
Famous for its short courses in electrical engineering, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) French Southern African Schneider Electric Education Centre (F’SASEC) has been instrumental in the acquisition of artisanship by two VUT employees: Mr Bennett Bowman (Projects Electrician) and Mr Makaleng Makotanyane (Projects electrician).
Some of the short courses offered by F’SASEC include domestic installation, industrial installation, and solar training.
Bowman and Makotanyane are among nine VUT employees from the Projects and Services department who took part in a F’SASEC 10-day programme on domestic and industrial wiring in December 2019. The group undertook the training based on two objectives: to enhance their knowledge of electricity and to then take a trade test outside VUT F’SASEC.
After undergoing the 2nd F’SASEC training, attendees were awarded a certificate of attendance.
In March 2022, Bowman and Makotanyane fulfilled their career ambition by applying for a trade test with MCD Training Centre in Meyerton. “The certificate awarded to us in 2019 by F’SASEC played a vital role in passing the trade test and achieving this artisanship”, Makotanyane.
A trade test is a final integrated summative assessment for an artisan qualification for a listed trade conducted at an accredited Trade Test Centre by an Assessor registered with National Artisan Moderating Body. This test usually requires four years of working experience and grade 9 results.
Makotanyane noted that the state-of-the-art equipment he was trained with at F’SASEC got him more skilled and prepared for the trade test. “Our training started with theory which was helpful for the later final stage of training when we participated in practical’s”. According to him, the VUT F’SASEC Centre respects safety, and their labs are commendably clean and safe to use.
Based on his training at F’SASEC, Makaleng claims he has taught himself house wiring, 2-way switch connection and intermediate switches.
Bowman also explained that for an electrician to write a trade test, the individual is requested to produce proof that he has been practicing in the field of electrical engineering. In this instance, “with the skills and the F’SASAEC certificate, it was simple for me to further my career in electrical engineering”.
Mr Makotanyane working with the F’SASEC student
“Kutumela Moepa thutse a gona lekgumo le tšwang kgauswi“, is a Sepedi saying which means being patient for success. It has been proven right by both men who are now qualified Artisans in the field of Electrical Engineering.
The F’SASEC short training programme runs throughout the year. For more information, interested parties can contact 016 950 9061/9815.