Three top-performing South African matrics have become the first students in sub-Saharan Africa to secure placement in the prestigious Siemens Apprenticeship Scheme in Germany. The global engineering firm has pledged its commitment to addressing SA’s shortage of engineers by investing in the three youngsters.
Kelly Moorosi (19), Joseph Shandlale (22) and Hendri Meintjies (22) finished top of a list of more than 1000 applicants for the all expenses paid 3,5-year theoretical and practical training in electrical and mechanical engineering in Berlin.
Their careers are already on track because they are guaranteed skilled employment at Siemens in South Africa upon their return home. “We are identifying top talent and training the engineers of tomorrow,” says Clifford Klaas, Siemens SA executive director: Corporate Affairs, HR and Sustainability.
Following months of interviews and screening, the three successful apprentices were selected based on their excellence in mathematics and science, in addition to their personal and professional aspirations.
They left home on 30 July to begin their induction in August, after successfully completing an intensive five-month German language course. During their apprenticeship, the learners will get work placements in many Siemens business units so they can apply what they learn at the Werner-von-Siemens Vocational School and the laboratory of Siemens Professional Education.
(Left to right): Joseph Shandlale, Hendri Meintjies and Kelly Moorosi.
“Kelly, Joseph and Hendri are future engineering pioneers for Siemens SA and we are proud to be sending them to our international operations. I am confident they will excel during their training and bring their new skills and experience back home to benefit South Africa,” concludes Klaas.
The Siemens Apprenticeship Scheme was first introduced to Africa in Egypt in 2014. Given the strong interest in the programme in South Africa, the company plans to expand the programme. This complements Siemens’ other successful skills and career development initiatives that result in 97% of participants securing full-time employment at Siemens.
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