To kick off Nelson Mandela Month celebration activities, the Coega Development Corporation, in collaboration with the Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC) Eastern Cape, launched the “High Gear Programme” on 10 July 2023.
The Programme aims to provide opportunities for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) learners to gain exposure to industry by spending one week in a practical work environment.
Lynne Wilmot, Coega Human Capital Solutions (HCS) Human Resource and Development (HRD) Consultant, highlights the inspiration behind this collaboration: “This initiative emerged from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Indaba hosted by the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC) in March this year. Our focus is on promoting STEM-related job learning, and AIDC plays a crucial role in facilitating relationships between industry and colleges. They act as project implementers and provide placement opportunities for students.”
In light of 2023 being declared as the year of Mathematics, Coega is committed to supporting the STEM fields as the catalyst for achieving the 2030 Agenda for the United Nations on Sustainable Development. These fields play a vital role in presenting innovative methods and solutions for sustainable development, equitable growth, and social well-being.
The Programme involves the participation of five final-year electrical engineering students from Eastcape Midlands College (EMC), paired with five of Coega’s facility managers from 10 to 14 July 2023. The purpose is to help both the learners and lecturers gain insight into how theoretical concepts are practically applied in the workplace. The initiative includes various activities such as a tour of the Coega Special Economic Zone, daily troubleshooting sessions, reflections, facility tours, an overview of maintenance processes, observation of scheduled maintenance jobs, and work-integrated learning assessments.
As Coega’s vision is to be a leading catalyst for the championing of socio-economic development, this collaboration provides an opportunity for the organisation to demonstrate leadership by supporting local TVET colleges, and it aligns with Coega’s commitment to supporting youth education and driving socio-economic development.
Two final-year electrical students from Midlands College shared their aspirations and expectations of the Programme. Sinovuyo Miya (24), said: “I am participating to expand my knowledge and gain deeper insights into the industry. My aim is to acquire valuable information about the industry, learn about business operations, and engage in practical experiences that can open up new opportunities for my future.”
Another student, Khayalethu Ngqani (23), stated: “I am excited to be a part of the work-based experience workshop at Coega. Coega focus on the electrical field aligns with my studies. I aspire to acquire extensive knowledge and develop a strong sense of pride as I gather the information that will prepare me for the industry, understanding the expectations that lie ahead.”
Coega has several initiatives throughout Nelson Mandela Month, focussing on sustainable development initiatives in the education sector that extend beyond the month of July. Nevertheless, Mandela Month provides an opportunity to showcase a range of activities undertaken by Coega on an ongoing basis.
Within the fields of Mathematics and Science, Coega offers a programme for Grade 12 learners who wish to improve their marks in these subjects. The Programme focuses on two subjects, allowing learners to enhance their performance. Additionally, Coega has a comprehensive Skills Development Centre that focuses on artisanal and trade-related disciplines. The organisation seeks funding to enable individuals to participate in programmes ranging from certified short courses to three-year programmes.
Through its Human Capital Solutions, Coega further serves as an implementing agent to ensure the fulfilment of socioeconomic deliverables on construction projects. Furthermore, it ensures engagement with local communities and provides training opportunities for these communities wherever Coega is involved as an implementing agent.
In line with Africa’s Agenda for 2063, which defines the desired future of the continent, it is imperative to improve the performance of African countries in STEM subjects. Therefore, we are thrilled about the commencement of this programme, and we hope it will expand into an even larger and ongoing collaboration, concluded Wilmot.
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