Skills Workshop Helps Empower UKZN Engineering Students

UKZN, in collaboration with the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA (MerSETA), hosted a training workshop at the George Campbell School of Technology in Durban for Engineering students.

The workshop aimed to help equip the next generation of engineers with essential practical skills.

MerSETA provided funding for the workshop with the UKZN Foundation facilitating the experience.

The workshop catered for second-year and higher Mechanical and Chemical Engineering students who had not yet completed their practical sessions. Mechanical Engineering students underwent a comprehensive two-week course, while Chemical Engineering students completed a week of training.

Each day began with safety lectures – students were required to wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) donated by the Beier Group and BBF Safety Group.

The scope of the workshop training was wide-ranging. Students engaged in electronics and soldering, arc welding, lathe and mill operations, sheet metal work, heavy current electrical training (including motor connections), and stripping and rebuilding of engines.

Each participant also had the opportunity to build practical take-home items such as an aluminium dice, a small circuit and a dustpan – symbols of their growing skill set.

Professor Glen Snedden of UKZN’s Aerospace Systems Research Institute said: “MerSETA’s funding was instrumental in covering the operational costs of the workshop, including staff remuneration and access to George Campbell School’s excellent facilities.”

The funding also made it possible to buy vital consumables and minor equipment such as additional hand tools, a spot welder and eye protection, allowing the school to accommodate more than 235 students in two successful batches.

Said Sneddon: “The training is high level and free to students. Since we can now guarantee that the students complete the course on schedule, we can in future make the training part of the University calendar. And the real bonus was having the Beier and the BBF Group on board to provide all the PPE, and overalls.”

According to Snedden, a key goal of the workshop was to prepare students for the rigours of the engineering workplace by giving them baseline competence in using hand tools and performing mechanical tasks – critical preparation for their final-year design and build projects.

“The programme directly addresses two ongoing challenges in Engineering education: the lack of appropriate vacation work and limited workshop training, both of which have historically undermined practical readiness among students. Time will tell, but already we’re seeing the benefit,” he said. “The students’ abilities to design and build complex but practical devices are improving. Our partnership with the MetAir Group of companies and Smith’s Manufacturing, in particular, has further expanded opportunities for vacation work placements. Thanks to promised funding, the programme is intended to continue in 2026, with further potential to expand into electrical, electronic, and computer engineering.

“If fully realised, this would see more students benefitting from practical training embedded into the University calendar, supported by access to on-campus accommodation during holidays. This programme unlocks a process of wins that have been in a log jam for decades. With the right partners, we will go far.”

Mr S’phelele Mvelase was grateful for the workshop training: “It was a meaningful and insightful experience. Receiving the PPE and being guided through the practical aspects of our academic work has left me feeling more prepared and confident as I continue in my Mechanical Engineering studies.”

Final-year BSc Chemical Engineering student Ms Naledi Mfeka added: “The generous contribution from the various donors has had a tangible and lasting impact on students’ academic and professional development. Through your funding, many of the students have been given the opportunity to participate meaningfully in hands-on, skills-based training.”

Thanks was also extended to the staff and leadership of the George Campbell School of Technology.

Words: Melissa Mungroo

Photographs: Supplied