Thabazimbi college to help shrink skills gap

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Pretoria - A state-of-the-art technical college has opened its doors to rural students in Thabazimbi in Limpopo.

Waterberg College focuses on engineering and developing artisans in order to address scarce skills, lack of job placements and practical workplace opportunities after students have graduated.

Speaking at the official opening of the college recently, Higher Education and Training Minister Dr Blade Nzimande said the college offers a well-equipped e-learning resource centre and computer rooms with extended hours of access for students to the internet, as there is a significant proportion of computer-aided instruction.

“The college has the potential to open avenues for artisan skills amongst the youth. This should turn into opportunities in mining exploration and grow the local economy,” said Minister Nzimande.

Approximately R14 million was spent on the college.

Waterberg College principal Selaelo Lekoloane appealed to the community to adopt the college and protect it against any form of vandalism. “It is an asset that provides quality education to today’s youth and for generations to come,” said Lekoloane.

Kumba Iron Ore representative Sbusiso Tenza said the company will partner with the college by providing bursaries to academically deserving students.

The college offers a range of programmes including the National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) in Electrical Infrastructure Construction, Boiler Making, Fitter and Turner, Engineering and Related Designs (Automotive) and Office Administration.

It also offers Report 191 Nated Engineering Studies, including Diesel Mechanic (N1 – N3), Electrical Infrastructure Construction (N1 – N3), Boiler Making (N1 – N3), Fitter and Turner (N1 – N3), as well as Water and Waste Water Treatment (N1 – N3), among others. – SAnews.gov.za