New welding school may assist Eskom skills shortage

The Midrand-based welding school, which falls under the EAL's Artisan, Operating and Maintenance Centre of Excellence, would train over 700 potential welders in the next seven years at a cost of R357-million. The school currently had an enrolment of 150 learners, half of which were women.

As it embarked on a new build programme, as well as maintaining and upgrading existing power stations for optimal performance, Eskom reported a shortage of suitable welding-related skills, as the total welding performance on the new build programme, as well as at existing power stations, did not meet expectations. This - says Engineering News - required the company to make use of foreign welding professionals.

The programme, which was internationally accredited and recognised in 54 countries, was developed under the guidance of the Southern African Institute of Welding and would train welders, welding inspectors, coordinators, supervisers, specialists, technologists and welding engineers. "This is one of the initiatives which will enable us to play a leading role in developing critical and scarce skills, not only for Eskom, but for South Africa," said Eskom CEO Brian Dames at the opening ceremony.

Read the full article on www.engineeringnews.co.za.