The Rockwell Automation Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) initiative for senior schoolchildren made its South African début at Emperors Palace in May this year. The intention was to give STEM learners’ insight into real world technology and engineering applications.
Rockwell Automation's Christo Buys addresses learners at the introductory STEM initiative in South Africa.
Sixty students from two schools, St Peter’s College in Johannesburg and Hoërskool Eldoraigne in Centurion, were exposed to Rockwell Automation technologies and their applicability in various relatable industries. It was highlighted to the young delegates that everyday technologies used by most people, such as smartphones and tablets, are used in industry in similar ways. “We want learners to get a taste of the kind of work and roles which this industry offers, and what it would be like to work for a company like Rockwell Automation,” explained Kerry Meikle-Braes, HR manager, sub-Saharan Africa, Rockwell Automation.
“We hope to create awareness and excitement of both the industry and our company among school-goers,” she added. “We also hope to convince some of them to enter into tertiary studies that may one day result in them working for Rockwell Automation, or in the technology space in which we operate.”
The focus on STEM programmes is a Rockwell Automation global initiative for broad-based support to address the critical need to fill STEM jobs that drive innovation. Since 2006, the multinational has provided more than $15 million to address this need.
“Exposing students to a detailed insight of the practical application of STEM subjects to technology and engineering, and at an age young enough to influence their career choice, is a primary focus of this programme,” concluded Meikle-Braes. “This was Rockwell Automation sub-Saharan Africa’s first STEM initiative and more will follow as we drive our global focus on STEM in the sub-continent. Importantly, in South Africa, we will also direct our efforts towards initiatives that encourage women in STEM jobs.”
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...Modular training workstation for Bosch Rexroth Bosch Rexroth Africa
News
To enhance its training services and address the shortage of hydraulic and pneumatic skills across the continent, Bosch Rexroth Africa’s training department has unveiled a state-of-the-art modular training workstation.
Read more...Pepperl+Fuchs Channel Partner Conference Pepperl+Fuchs
News
Pepperl+Fuchs recently hosted its Channel Partner Conference. Under the theme ‘Together, Breaking Ground in Africa’, the conference served as both a celebration of partnerships and a strategic forum focused on future growth.
Read more...Bühler celebrates expansion, innovation and sustainability
News
Bühler has marked another milestone in its dedication to regional support with the expansion of its Cape Town Service Centre. Hosting its annual customer day, the company showcased the facility’s new offerings and highlighted its commitment to service excellence, local innovation, and sustainability.
Read more...From the editor's desk: First break it, then fix it Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Welcome to another year with SA Instrumentation & Control. May it be a happy and healthy one where you can rise to the challenges ahead and still enjoy all the good things we have in this country.
...
Read more...SEW-EURODRIVE’s new service and repair centre SEW-EURODRIVE
News
As part of its strategy to ‘close the loop’ in its service offering, SEW-EURODRIVE has broken ground on a new 17 000 m2 Service and Repair Centre. The establishment of the state-of-the-art facility plugs the gap for expert repair services for gearboxes in Africa.
Read more...EtherCAT Technology Group holds its annual Plug Fest
News
The 2024 EtherCAT Plug Fest of the EtherCAT Technology Group offered participants a valuable opportunity to test the interoperability of their 9 EtherCAT MainDevices and 10 EtherCAT SubDevices. Using the knowledge gained, they will be able to improve compatibility and optimise their products for use in the field.
Read more...Leading the way in industrial automation and digital transformation Iritron
News
As a pioneering engineering, integration, and manufacturing firm, Iritron has built a reputation as a trusted partner in critical industries such as mining, energy and manufacturing. By embedding innovation and expertise into its four foundational pillars, the company continues to deliver tailored solutions that meet the evolving needs of modern industry.
printer friendly version