MTU South Africa has announced that two members of the SA Navy will be part of this year's intake in their sought after ‘Apprentice Programme'. The two young people will commence their four year long training in the next three weeks to become qualified artisans.

MTU SA has a long standing relationship with the SA Navy having supplied engines for many of their vessels. This training programme will provide the SA Navy access to a world class and highly regarded German apprentice training curriculum. It will afford them the opportunity to become even more self reliant by equipping them with skills on the intricacies of engine assembly and high level repair which will be used onboard the various vessels. With this heightened degree of confidence, the two artisans will provide a quicker and faster service within the SA Navy.

"The technical training programme, incorporating practical workshop training and vocational college courses is designed to equip artisans with specialised skills allowing them to be an asset to the industry. MTU aims to set an example for other companies to follow so that South Africa can produce competent and well trained artisans. This year we are pleased to have partnered with the SA Navy to offer their artisans this training and look forward to further strengthening our relations already spanning decades," says Michael Baumann, Managing Director of MTU South Africa.

In addition to the artisans from the SA Navy, MTU has this year taken on four trainees based on their school leaving certificate and any previous training received in the engineering field e.g. N2/3 Engineering studies, NCV L4, CBMT etc. A final criteria is based on the abovementioned and as well as an interview and a competency test. The structured programme, designed to train future artisans on the intricacies of engine assembly and servicing, will be facilitated by qualified technicians from MTU SA.

The training entails practical learning conducted in the company's newly refurbished training facility in Cape Town and workshops based in Simon's Town and Johannesburg. It also entails relevant theoretical training at Further Education and Training (FET) colleges and by other accredited training providers in South Africa.
MTU SA has appointed a dedicated Apprentice Trainerto train, guide, coach and monitor the development and progress of the trainees. The curriculum being based on the German apprentice training requirements, company requirements as well as the training schedule for ‘metal apprentices' as recommended by the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA). merSETA plays a central role in making sure that the National Skills Development Strategy (NSDS) is fulfilled.

"The apprenticeship programme is becoming a sought after accolade amongst young aspiring artisans. We are pleased to be able to afford young South Africans this opportunity to equip themselves with the skills needed to be an asset to the industry," says James Arendse, MTU SA's Apprentice Programme Training Co-ordinator.

Once trained and equipped with the necessary skills and expertise the artisans will return to the Navy. MTU SA, supplier of engines, complete propulsion and power systems in southern Africa holds an accreditation as a training establishment from the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA).

About Tognum

With its two business units, Engines and Onsite Energy & Components, the Tognum Group is one of the world's leading suppliers of engines, propulsion systems and distributed energy systems. These products are based on diesel engines with up to 9 100kW power output, gas engines up to 2 150kW and gas turbines up to 45 000kW.

About MTU South Africa

MTU SA is a certified BEE Level 6 company. Within the Tognum Group MTU South Africa is responsible for sales and support service of MTU diesel engines, propulsion systems and distributed energy systems in most of sub Sahara Africa. Engines are sold under the brand names of MTU, Detroit Diesel and Mercedes Benz industrial engines that deliver quality, reliability, dependability and design adequacy. The engines are used extensively throughout Africa and are renowned for superior performance under the most demanding of conditions.