Further entrenching its commitment to bridging the skills gap in the field of electrical engineering, Siemens has taken its Cyber Junkyard Challenge to schools in the Eastern Cape. This Junior Cyber Junkyard Challenge has been undertaken in partnership with Port Elizabeth’s Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Says Martin Taverner, BU manager motion control at Siemens: “In 2011, our aim is to establish a relationship between Siemens, NMMU and high schools and colleges in the area, hence the introduction of the challenge at a school level. Our hope is that these relationships will help to encourage learners at this level to consider electrical engineering as a career path after school.”
The winning entry from Daniel Pienaar High
In the Junior Cyber Junkyard Challenge, learners had to design, build and programme a fully functional water tank system. They needed to implement the principles of flow rate and volume calculation in addition to basic logic and the principles of level control. “By taking part in this project learners gain hands-on experience that will assist them when applying to universities, they learn about electrical design, mechanical manufacture, level control within a tank process, industrial automation programming and closed loop control systems – all at a junior level,” Taverner explains. “Nine schools entered the challenge and through our partnership with NMMU, each team was allocated R10 000 to design and manufacture its system.”
Final judging took place in October with the winning teams receiving a host of electrical equipment, as well as bursaries donated by NMMU. The Eastern Cape served as a pilot, Taverner’s ultimate objective is that the Junior Cyber Junkyard Challenge will be held annually and open to schools nationwide.
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...How to claim CPD points SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
News
SAIMC makes it possible for you to claim CPD points for attending courses and technical meetings, or completing an online quiz on a SA Instrumentation & Control magazine.
Read more...Festo celebrates its centenary Festo South Africa
News
Creating added customer value through innovation has been the driving force behind the family-owned company from the beginning and remains the key to Festo’s success today. The company’s anniversary is being celebrated with employees, customers and partners worldwide throughout the year.
Read more...RS Group cements its position as an ESG leader
News
RS Group has announced its inclusion in the prestigious CDP A-list, having improved its CDP rating this year from A- to A for its commitment to climate action, environmental transparency and disclosure
Read more...ECSA awards full accreditation to IIE degrees
News
The Independent Institute of Education has received full accreditation from ECSA. This is the first private higher education provider in the country to be recognised in this manner by the industry authority.
Read more...South African students advance to international round of Young Researchers awards
News
Two Masters in Engineering students from Stellenbosch University have advanced to the international round of the 2025 Blue Sky Young Researchers and Innovation competition. Their projects impressed the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa for their originality and relevance to the forestry sector, which plays a key role in producing wood and paper.
Read more...The ultimate range for design and repair RS South Africa
News
Design and repair are fundamental aspects of any industry. The launch of the new RS PRO Design & Repair range caters to a wide array of industries, including discrete and process manufacturing, energy and utilities, facilities management and intralogistics.
Read more...Why Africa needs automation now
News
The upcoming Africa Automation Technology Fair will bring together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to chart Africa’s automation future.
printer friendly version