Top artisans honoured as SEIFSA centre opens upgraded facilities
Artisans were recognised for excellence across 10 trades, from toolmaking to instrumentation, under the updated curriculum.
Image: Supplied
The Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of Southern Africa (SEIFSA) Training Centre (STC), run in partnership with Thuthukisa, unveiled its renovations at its annual student awards ceremony on Wednesday, October 29, at its Benoni premises.
Guests viewed the improvements to the centre and celebrated artisans who excelled in their trades.
Rajendra Rajcoomar, director at Thuthukisa, said the upgrades aligned the centre with industry needs, including new training equipment, Computer Numerical Control machinery and the upgraded toolmaker accreditation. He said the investment ensures artisans acquire skills that make them more employable.
“The centre, which has undergone significant changes due to legislative changes in the artisanal training landscape, has also introduced new machinery to roll out new qualifications, such as tool making and to align itself to the requirements of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR),” Rajcoomar said.
To support 4IR training, the centre built a smart classroom that allows students to simulate practical work environments using various machinery.
Students and guests toured the upgraded SEIFSA Training Centre in Benoni during the annual awards ceremony.
Image: Supplied
“The relaunch is about creating awareness of the revitalised SEIFSA Training Centre and the curriculum that has been implemented. We also want to showcase the Entrepreneurial Hub and its beneficiaries,” Rajcoomar said.
The Incubation Hub provides young artisans with guidance and support as they develop entrepreneurial skills.
Awards were presented to students who excelled in the 10 trades offered under the new occupational curriculum: toolmaker, welder, boilermaker, mechanical fitter, fitter and turner, turner machinist, millwright, pipe fitter, electrician and instrumentation.
Looking ahead, the centre plans to expand its intake and training offerings.
“We want to drive the intake of student numbers given the rollout of new qualifications, ensure the continuous improvement of the facility and equipment and expand our training offering across more industries,” Rajcoomar said.