6
Mechanical Technology — August 2013
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Industry forum
⎪
Metso Mining and Construction has been
recognised as one of the most representa-
tive mining companies in Chile. Metso
received two prestigious awards, thanks
to the results of a study by Phibrand, or-
ganised by the Editec Editorial Group and
sponsored by the Mining Ministry, Aprimin
and Imagine Chile, which measured the
perception that mining companies have
regarding suppliers of equipment and
services in the national mining industry.
The research was executed based on
surveys carried out in April and May, 2013
to 350 people in the Chilean mining in-
dustry, of which 6% are top management
positions, 32% area managers and 62%
operational headquarters, all with purchase
responsibilities, linked to different sites and
engineering firms in the country.
Metso was awarded first place in the
category ‘most successful company in
the crushers and mills segment’. Metso
was also ranked second in the category of
most representative brands in the national
mining industry.
According to Mr Eduardo Nilo, direc-
tor of services and after market manager
for the Southern Cone: “The information
generated in this ranking allows us to bet-
ter understand our relative position in this
demanding market.”
Energy Engineered Products (EEP) and
Multi Alloys’ sustainable internship
programme provides engineering stu-
dents with the necessary experiential
training to complement their theoretical
studies, in order for them to success-
fully complete their education and find
employment in careers of their choice.
EEP is a leading stockist and dis-
tributor of industrial stainless steel,
corrosion resisting alloys and valves
and Multi Alloys is one of South Africa’s
specialist suppliers of nickel alloys,
duplex and high alloy stainless steel,
titanium and other niche products. “As
two related companies, the interns have
the unique opportunity to gain experi-
ence within both businesses,” says Ken
Perel of Multi Alloys.
“Although tertiary education is ex-
pensive, it is an investment if students
graduate and succeed in finding a
suitable career,” continues Perel. “Both
theory and practical training must be
The role of merSETA (manufacturing,
engineering and related services sec-
tor education and training authority) is
critical in making sure that the national
skills development strategy is fulfilled
and SKF is proud to have achieved full
merSETA accreditation as from Decem-
ber 6, 2012.
In addition to accrediting educa-
tion and training providers, merSETA
also monitors provision of the training,
registration of assessors, collabora-
tion with other education and training
quality assurance bodies, and reports
to the South African Qualifications
Authority (SAQA). “The skill shortage
is a constant challenge in our industry
and this accreditation is therefore of the
utmost importance for SKF as it makes
us part of the national skills develop-
Eduardo Nilo (centre) receives both awards
on behalf of Metso.
Metso ranked as most successful mining company
Internship programmes putt theory into practice
Energy Engineered Products and Multi Alloys intern-
ship programme offers experiential training for engi-
neering students.
completed successfully before students
can pass, and this is where we believe
the value of internships lies. By provid-
ing the necessary experiential training
required by students, these programmes
make a positive contribution to the
country’s economy.” He also notes that
as part of the programme, interns at-
tend specific training courses such as
SASSDA’s stainless steel training course.
The internship programme was first
implemented about four years ago as
an investment for the company and
students. “We look for people with CAD
drawing capabilities so that we can
further improve our cut-plate customer
service. The benefit of internship pro-
grammes for medium-sized businesses
like EEP and Multi Alloys is massive as
the students make valuable contribu-
tions and become important assets to
the company,” says Graham Whitty,
director of business development at EEP.
“It is without any doubt a ‘win-win’ situ-
ation that adds value to the company
and students,” he concludes.
ment strategy,” explains SKF application
engineering manager, Darren Chetty.
Accredited SKF practical training
modules include: ‘Demonstrate knowl-
edge of lubrication’; ‘Monitor bearing
performance and conduct routine bear-
ing maintenance’; ‘Identify, select and
examine different types of bearings’;
and ‘Align machines and equipment
using laser technology’.
“Our accredited training institution
provides assurance to learners that
training provided is recognised by SETA,
SAQA and QCTO. SETA also quality
assures both the training institution
and the training programme. The learn-
ers have the opportunity to carry the
achieved credits for a lifetime subject to
choosing to complete a SETA moderated
portfolio of evidence.”
“SKF recognises the importance of
investing in people, training, training
programmes and training facilities,”
he concludes. “We believe that quality
training of our customers and distribu-
tors is as important as the quality of
our business relationships, our products
and our services. This accreditation is
a massive achievement for SKF South
Africa.”
SKF closer to the national skills development strategy
SKF South Africa achieves merSETA ac-
creditation.
