Transnet and Northlink College Partnership Proving to be a success

Ebrahim Khan (Northlink), Jumbe Ahmadi Mohamedi (Northlink), Ismael Kleinsmidt (Northlink), Sibongiseni Derrick Ngcobo (SANDF) and Jan Havenga (Transnet)

Since the co-operate agreement was signed between Transnet Soc Limited (a.k.a Transnet), Northlink College and two other Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges on 31 October 2013, the relationship has been reaping great rewards in the case of the development of skills. This partnership includes Transnet sending their employees to Northlink College to learn and acquire skills qualifications and Transnet getting to recruit top students for training and employment.

Transnet also creates opportunities for lecturers to gain relevant practical work experience in the form of job shadowing and this make it more effective for lectures to prepare students on what to expect at the workplace and also for lecturers to be in touch with the latest technology and work trends. This concept “Adopt a lecturer” also improves their technical skills and knowledge that meets the demand of the industry, making it easier to teach the students.

Jan Havenga, a senior training officer at Transnet welding visited Northlink College Bellville Campus to inspect the training facilities, the quality of welding being done. “We are looking for ways and avenues how to integrate the College and the Industry training by letting Northlink students work in Transnet after they have completed their studies and allowing Transnet personnel to study at the College,” Havenga said.

This exchange came into full swing more than a month ago and Transnet is looking to expand this training to even more skills courses as it develops and prepares students for industry recruitment – Thando Bunyula