Technically the best
Three years of intense studying paid off for Border Training Centre student Luwhelin van Neel who was awarded top national achiever at a recent ceremony at John Knox Hall in Mdantsane.
Van Neel was among 15 students from Eastern Cape who took part in a three year Tool, Die and Moulding (TDM) programme run by the Tool Making Association of South Africa (Tasa).
The programme was established to tackle the critical shortage of technically skilled people in the tool manufacturing sector.
The award ceremony was held to recognise students who have completed and excelled in the programme. Van Neel said taking part in the initiative had been eye-opening.
“Although it was not easy I have been able to make it this far. The programme has equipped me with both theoretical and practical skills in toolmaking,” he said.
The programme was launched in 2011 with selection and placement of 490 students at 12 training institutions nationally.
Tasa director Dirk van Dyk said he is proud of all the students who have excelled in the programme.
“TDM is one of the biggest skills upliftment initiatives to be implemented in South Africa.
“We believe that with the continued success of the programme there will be a pipeline of skilled and well-trained tool makers available to jump-start the country’s manufacturing sector.”
BY ANNELISA NKQUBEZELO