The John Orr Engineering School of Specialization was launched by the Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, in partnership with Sasol and other companies. The school will focus on renewable energy and alternative sources of energy.
One of the projects completed by the learners was building a solar-powered car. No petrol is needed to drive the car, all that is needed is sunlight. Sunlight is converted into electrical energy to run the car.
The school of specialization was started at Witwatersrand Technical College which was a trade school. In 1970, both girls and boys attended the school when Hotel Catering Management was introduced.
A total of 20 Grade 11 learners experienced some workplace exposure at Umphakathi Development and Training, Industri Tools and Equipment VNU Industrial Supplies, JTB Industrial Solutions and Ifhlile Training Academy. These companies are partners of the school.
Approximately ten Grade 11 learners completed an advanced plumbing programme with Umphakathi Development and Training. They started the programme in Grade 9 and have received certification. This allows the learners to go directly into the workplace after school.
A further ten Grade 11 learners took part in a programme with the Gauteng Education Department and Autodesk on Computer-Aided Design. The programme helps enhance their skills in Engineering Graphics and Design.
Through work experience at these companies, learners will be equipped with technical skills. They will be engineers ready to study further, work at companies such as Sasol and begin their own businesses.
