Mechatronics is a combination of mechanics and electronics, comprising a multi-disciplinary engineering field that is a key player in Industry 4.0. It encompasses cyber-physical systems, IIoT, cloud computing and cognitive computing. In order to ensure that local industry has the necessary skillsets to embrace Industry 4.0, ElectroMechanica (EM) has collaborated with Polytech Africa to establish the first Mechatronics Academy to be accredited by merSETA.
The Mechatronics Academy will focus on the NQF Level 2 learnership. This is based on essential aspects of precision mechanical engineering, electronics and computer design systems used to control and automate mechanical products. Here EM plays a vital role, as its specialised products include the Delta industrial automation range. Upon completion of the qualification, certificate holders will be able to gain entry to highly skilled sectors such as mechanical and electrical engineering, pneumatics and hydraulics, robotics, PLCs, CNC, industrial IT, the automotive sector, and precision welding.
“Educational institutions cannot be islands on their own, and require the cooperation of both the government and the private sector,” says Polytech Africa director, Astrid Straussner. “This is where EM’s active involvement is so crucial, as it is important that students are exposed to the latest products and developments, especially given the fact that Industry 4.0 and IIoT are a reality in South Africa.” She adds that the Mechatronics Academy will play a vital role in addressing the skills shortage in the automation industry. “While we have a good skills base in South Africa, the main problem is the pipeline of younger people entering the field. We need to enhance the existing skills and develop new ones. This is important to ensure that we are able to cope with the skills requirements of Industry 4.0 throughout the continent.”
The main driver for EM in launching the Mechatronics Academy is to consolidate its training offering into accredited, standardised courses that can be offered out of Polytech Africa. “This will ensure the best quality of training possible for our customers, so they are comfortable working with our automation equipment. In turn, it will allow our staff to focus on their core responsibilities,” concludes EM Director, Andrew Nobbs.
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