This rapidly growing tertiary institution has in the past years produced a number of highly skilled and trained graduates, some of whom have since found employment, while others are doing their apprenticeships with major companies in the province and elsewhere in the country.

One shining example is Noxolo Mawela, a former student at the college’s KaNyamazane Campus, who studied mechanical engineering (fitting and turning) from 2017 to 2019. Mawela obtained an apprenticeship with one of the province’s giant engineering companies, JJ Hydraulics.

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“I have always had a passion for engineering. I enjoyed working with mechanics when practical work was being conducted at the college. I was actually motivated and inspired by my fitting and turning lecturer, Hlengiwe Maile, who in my books is one of the finest female lectures within this field. She used to give us all the necessary information and guidance on what to expect when operating our own workshops or when in the workplace,” said Mawela.

“The campus made provisions for a good learning environment and that was the reason I never struggled with learning material,” she continued. She said since joining JJ Hydraulics, she has never been treated like a student, but received exposure, training and competence. Her supervisor at JJ Hydraulics, Cornel Jansen, said his company ensures it arms its trainees with all the necessary skills needed to prosper. The TVET College’s spokesperson, Mxolisi Nzimande, said the college always goes the extra mile to assist its students to be placed in companies for further training and exposure.

“Ehlanzeni TVET College offers primary qualification to help students obtain apprenticeship from various companies. We have over the years assisted a number of our students with either employment or internship placement opportunities. We will continue to offer basic training and help place our students in companies. Our management team as led by our head, Elias Mbuyane, is working around the clock to ensure that the college continues to be the beacon of hope to our communities,” said Nzimande.