EKURHULENI EAST COLLEGE
Education in Springs

close EEC is one of only four TVET Colleges in South Africa to be selected to run a Dual System Pilot Project (DSPP) for two trades (Electrical and Plumbing) under the expert guidance of facilitators from the German Association for International Cooperation (GIZ). This Dual System Apprenticeship training model is new to South Africa but has already been applied with great success in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. It is hoped that over a period, it will transform apprenticeship training in this country. The Dual System is based on the belief that students learn best by having the theoretical knowledge they obtain from a TVET College, reinforced at regular intervals by real-life work experience and training in a structured workplace environment. Over a period of three years students alternate between theory classes at the College and hands-on experience with their Host Employer in block periods of between eight and fourteen weeks. All training is based on the QCTO occupational qualification for electricians and plumbers so it is fully accredited. All facilitators are fully qualified and training also takes place in the College state-of-the-art workshops so that students are familiar with the machinery when they go into the workplace. With the only Foundry in Gauteng and the Samsung Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Academy, both located on the Kwa-Thema campus, EEC has been identifi ed as a potential College with which to forge a meaningful business partnership. EEC was also selected as one of four TVET Colleges in South Africa to run a Dual System Pilot Project (DSPP) for two trades (Electrical and Plumbing) under the guidance of the German Association for International Cooperation (GIZ).This Dual System Apprenticeship training model is new to South Africa but has already been applied with great success in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Under this system students spend up to 70% of their training period in the workplace itself. The theoretical training they receive at the College is continually integrated and reinforced with practical application in the workplace. Students alternate between the College and the workplace in block periods of between eight and fourteen weeks throughout their traning period. close The Gauteng Foundry Training Centre which is based on our own Kwa-Thema campus, is the only one of its kind in South Africa where Melters, Moulders and Patternmakers can be trained. Skilled artisans are required to manufacture the iron parts that are used in industry e.g. The Foundry Manager, Mr Errol Beling, brings with him years of experience and expertise in the Patternmaking industry, having started his career as an apprentice Patternmaker in This means that, as well as being able to conduct trade tests, we can also offer students and the industry the necessary training on the relevant modules for Melting, Moulding and Patternmaking and assist students to prepare for their accredited trade test. A total of three hundred and thirty-five women from both the lecturing and support staff attended and a most enjoyable day was had by all. The College caterers, Imbalenhle Catering, did themselves proud once again with the beautiful way in which they decorated the Kwa-Thema campus hall and with the delicious snacks and three course meal served by their very efficient waitrons in their smart black and white uniforms. Many agreed that a highlight of the occasion was the entertaining and relevant talk given by well-known Kwa-Thema resident, Dr E Seobi on The Development of a Child and the inspiring words of popular Metro FM Radio announcer Ms Thami Ngubeni who shared her thoughts, in a most motivating way, on Managing Life as a Modern Woman in the 21st Century. The College is particularly grateful to Afrisun, RNA, MTN and the Gift of the Givers Foundation who sponsored the event. Light entertainment was provided by The Serenaders who added the final touch to a most enjoyable occasion. Congratulations are due to the Marketing Department on yet another superbly organized event\. She packed her seven versalia, put her initial into the belt and made herself on the way