Johannesburg - Government aims to train 50 000 qualified artisans by 2010, says
Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor.
The minister said due to the shortage of engineers in the country, the government is committed to increasing the number of learners enrolling for engineering qualifications.
"We need to increase the number of artisans. The reorganisation of the functions of government will assist us to reach our target, which is to train 50 000 qualified artisans by 2010," the minister said.
She was speaking at the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) centenary celebration on Friday.
Currently, there are 1 500 BEng and BSC Engineering students that graduate each year, she said.
"We need to produce more. We have a shortage of engineers in municipal employment, in industry, and at universities," the minister said.
Ms Pandor further said the institution played an important role in helping government in placing science and technology at the heart of progress and development in South Africa.
"The institute has shown an interest in partnering with the department in some of its planned projects, particularly the National Space Agency and the Square Kilometre Array,' the minister said.
She said the institute together with the department is committed to increase the number of engineers in South Africa.
Over the last three years, the department has earmarked funding for engineers in higher education budget and graduate rates have improved in the leading universities, the minister said.
She encouraged the institute to do more to communicate with South African citizens about the work of electrical engineers.
The minister also called on SAIEE and other institutions to adopt some of the Dinaledi schools which are desperately in need of benefactors to provide guidance.
The SAIEE, formed in 1909, has grown to the extent that there are over 5000 members on its membership roll.
Members are professionally engaged in the full range of engineering activities, including academic research, manufacturing, electronics, telecommunications, measurement and control, mining, and power infra-structural services.
