Lack of Qualified Artisans
“A functioning economy must have a sufficient number of artisans if it is to fulfil its economic potential. From energy and water to transport and logistics, all key sectors of the economy are dependent on a ready supply of artisans,” says Zizile Lushaba, Human Capital & Skills Development Executive, Steel and Engineering Industries Federation of […]
New Requirement for Mentoring
As of January 2023, the Mine Engineer’s Certificate of Competency requires a mentor to possess certification from an accredited institution, and proof that at least five engineers in training are being mentored, in addition to other requirements. While this may be viewed as another hurdle in achieving certification, it can be hugely beneficial, not just for […]
UJ Student Chapter Roadshow 2023
The SAIMechE UJ APK Student Chapter Roadshow was hosted at the University of Johannesburg on 03 March 2023. The event was intended to educate new members about the benefits of joining SAIMechE, and introduce the professional development programmes (PDP) as well as the importance of registration to the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). This […]
Reaching Six Million School Children
One of our members has been spear-heading a South African initiative to get youngsters excited about the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) world at school and then as a chosen career. Called the STEMulator it is a free online (stemulator.org) virtual landscape full of animated content from pumping human hearts to power station turbines where […]
Recruiting from the Retired Pool
In the mining, engineering, and construction sectors particularly, experience is a key requirement that companies look for when placing a candidate in a high-level role. These industries tend to hire fewer unskilled employees. So how do younger individuals gain experience in these industries if no- one is willing to hire them, because they have no […]
Sourdough Engineering
A few months ago my son suggested we learn to make sourdough bread as a joint exercise. Sourdough is considered to be the original leavened or risen bread, using natural yeasts and bacteria in the flour to produce the rise and flavour of the bread. Home-made sourdough bread is very much a hands-on, artisanal process, […]
Educational Platform Teaches Kids in the Metaverse
Kids are going to be sitting in front of the screen anyway. Why not use this time to give children an insight into technology, team-building and problem-solving. Useful attributes in any profession, especially that of engineering, where logical and consistent thought processes are highly valued. I am encouraged by the concept of Minicoders, where children […]
Real-world Capability of Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
The Ampaire hybrid-electric EEL demonstrator aircraft completed a 1 880 statute mile mission in July from Los Angeles to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, where it will be on display at EAA AirVenture’s most prominent location, Boeing Plaza. The journey included the single longest nonstop flight ever made by a hybrid-electric aircraft of 1 135 miles. Ampaire test […]
Employer Engagement: Career Day
It is our great pleasure to invite you to the Engineering Career Day on Friday, 13th May 2022 hosted by the South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering Student Chapter at the University of Johannesburg (SAIMechE UJ SC). This event will be a collaborative event with the ECSA Student Chapter, SAIEE Student Chapter, SAICE Student Chapter, […]
Connecting Mentors and Candidates
“There are significant numbers of recent engineering graduates (Candidates) who would very much appreciate the input of a senior professional (Mentor) to guide their early professional development.
