{"id":37597,"date":"2026-06-02T13:46:16","date_gmt":"2026-06-02T13:46:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=37597"},"modified":"2026-06-02T13:46:18","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T13:46:18","slug":"vut-metallurgical-engineering-students-gain-hands-on-industry-exposure-at-gammatec","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/vut-metallurgical-engineering-students-gain-hands-on-industry-exposure-at-gammatec\/","title":{"rendered":"VUT metallurgical engineering students gain hands on industry exposure at GammaTec"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Metallurgical Engineering students from VUT visited GammaTec in Vereeniging for hands-on exposure to Non-Destructive Testing, industry practices, and career opportunities”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

02 June 2026 | Story by: Thomas Rasehloka<\/strong> | Picture by: Sifiso Nomzaza<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"VUT<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Students from the Department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT), under the Metallurgical Engineering Students Society (METESSO), recently visited GammaTec in Vereeniging as part of an educational initiative aimed at exposing students to industry practices and career opportunities within the field of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The visit, which took place on 28 May 2026, formed part of METESSO’s ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between theoretical classroom learning and practical industrial application. The students were accompanied by VUT lecturer Ms Masego Lepule and METESSO Chairperson Mr Glen Mopani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to Mr Mopani, many of the students who participated in the visit had already completed the Non-Destructive Testing component of the Manufacturing Metallurgy module but had not yet been exposed to its practical application within an industrial environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis visit has provided us with a broader understanding of Non-Destructive Testing. In class, we learn the theoretical aspects of the module, but we are not always exposed to how these techniques are applied in industry,\u201d said Mr Mopani.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the visit, students were introduced to a range of NDT technologies and testing processes used in industry to ensure the quality, safety and reliability of industrial components and structures. The session also exposed students to career opportunities within the sector and highlighted the growing importance of advanced testing technologies in modern manufacturing and engineering environments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

GammaTec representatives engaged students on current industry trends, technological advancements and professional development opportunities within the NDT field. The company also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting student development and nurturing future industry professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms Julie van der Merwe, Sales Representative at GammaTec, said student visits form an important part of the company\u2019s commitment to industry engagement and skills development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMany students approach us seeking exposure to the Non-Destructive Testing industry, so it was not unusual for METESSO to contact us. It is encouraging to see students showing strong interest in hardness testing and other emerging technologies that we have introduced,\u201d said Ms van der Merwe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She further expressed her excitement at the significant number of female students who participated in the visit and demonstrated keen interest in the field, reflecting the growing diversity within engineering and metallurgy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ms Lepule said the visit was intended to expose students to real world industrial practices while helping them connect classroom theory with practical application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGammaTec provides access to advanced analytical technologies, enabling students to familiarise themselves with current industry developments. These visits improve students\u2019 confidence, motivation and understanding of workplace operations through interaction with industry professionals. They prepare our students to become competent graduates and successful professionals,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The educational visit provided students with valuable industry exposure while strengthening collaboration between academia and industry. It also reinforced VUT\u2019s commitment to producing industry ready graduates equipped with practical insight into advanced manufacturing technologies and Non-Destructive Testing practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catch the full experience on Flickr<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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