The WorldSkills competition is an international platform that aims to showcase the value of skills and the need for skilled workers across various industries. Festo supported WorldSkills 2014 by hosting the Mechatronic Finals, the winners of which proceed to the National Finals in Cape Town. Winners of the worldwide National competitions in their respective countries will take part in the International Competition in Brazil in 2015.
Festo is more than just an innovation leader and global enterprise and the company also takes pride in being a learning organisation, which regards education as an investment in the future. “Being associated with WorldSkills is important to our company as this is representative of our commitment to education and skills upliftment,” explains business development manager Russell Schwulst. “We have been committed to WorldSkills for a number of years through supporting the Mechatronics and Mobile Robotics disciplines.”
(Left to right): General manager Festo Didactic South Africa Horst Weinert, Victor Hlaise, Xaccheus Seema, Tressure Mokgohloa and David Setlhake. Victor and Trevor were on the winning team from Tshwane North College.
WorldSkills is a key event where the importance of skilled workers is promoted. At the Mechatronic Finals, schoolchildren, trainees and students find out for themselves what skills a mechatronic engineer requires, as well as the day-to-day workings of such an engineer. “People learn to understand this career path and what makes people choose it. By informing and showcasing this discipline, we are playing a vital role in the lives and careers of potential engineers,” says Schwulst. “Education is the basis for a successful future and Festo will always take an active role in educating and training – the synergy between the concept of WorldSkills and this philosophy is what makes hosting part of this global competition so exciting.”
Festo Didactic, the training division of Festo, shares its competence and technical expertise with over 40 000 customers worldwide. For Festo it is abundantly clear that actively promoting technical education and training is essential for market success, innovation and sustainability. “Politicians have been dealing with issues including skills shortages and lack of interest in subjects such as mathematics, information technology, natural sciences and technology for a number of years. This is where Festo can make a significant contribution by promoting new talent,” concludes Schwulst. “Our association with a competition such as WorldSkills, where new talent is promoted and celebrated is testament to this and it is an honour to be able to provide continued support for such an important global event.”
Helping mines get results from water improvements
News
South African mines operate under constrained, water-scarce conditions where every investment must be justified. Xylem’s Chetan Mistry explains how the right water technology partner helps mines prioritise high-value water systems across the mining lifecycle.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Pushing engineering to the limit Technews Publishing
News
Among the many things robots can do, it’s a lot of fun to follow how fast they are. They go from the Boston Dynamics cheetah, which first reached a record-breaking speed of 45,5 km/h, to the robot Charlie ...
Read more...Schneider Electric concludes Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric's Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa, held in Abu Dhabi with more than 2500 attendees, explored the convergence of energy, AI and industrial software, launched an Industrial AI study and announced the NEST Accelerator Programme for energy and industrial tech startups.
Read more...VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026 VEGA Controls SA
News
VEGA used its Electra Mining Africa 2026 stand to demonstrate that its level and pressure measurement instruments extend well beyond mining, covering water, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas applications across the continent.
Read more...Sustainable solutions for sugar Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
News
BMG received a Special Commendation Exhibition Stand Award at the South African Sugar Technologists’ Association Congress, where it showcased an integrated turnkey drive solution designed to simplify the upgrading of ageing crushing-mill drive systems.
Read more...Measure, Manage, Maintain: The operating model behind SA’s water resilience Siemens South Africa
News
South Africa’s growing water crisis is putting pressure on infrastructure, municipalities and the economy. Siemens highlights how digital technologies, smarter operations and safe water reuse could help shift the country from crisis response towards a more resilient and sustainable water future.
Read more...VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026 VEGA Controls SA
News
VEGA used its Electra Mining Africa 2026 stand to demonstrate that its level and pressure measurement instruments extend well beyond mining, covering water, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas applications across the continent.
Read more...Schneider Electric concludes Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa, held in Abu Dhabi with more than 2500 attendees, explored the convergence of energy, AI and industrial software, launched an Industrial AI study and announced the NEST Accelerator Programme.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version