Renault South Africa has donated a Renault Sandero to the Ekurhuleni West College (EWC) for Further Education & Training for use by students enrolled in the Engineering and Related Design faculty of its Tembisa Campus.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Jennifer Stephen, Vice President of Human Resources at Renault said that skills development was critical to the success of the nation. “The students seated here today have their sights set on a career in the automotive sector and Renault is delighted to be partnering with EWC for a second time.
“We believe that it is vital for business to partner with educational institutions to ensure that young South Africans have the relevant skills to prepare them for entry into the highly competitive workplace. The objective behind our partnership with EWC is to align the skills and knowledge acquired at the campus with the expectations of the job market,” she explained.
A highlight at the handover was Stephen’s announcement that Renault would offer practical work experience to four final year students during the College’s October holidays “we will be selecting the two top performing students from both of EWC’s Tembisa and Kathorus campuses,” she explained.
According to Annelie du Plessis, Tembisa Campus Manager, in the region of 200 learners – male and female – are currently enrolled across the faculty’s three year Engineering and Related Design programme which encompasses National Certificate Vocational Levels 2, 3 and 4.
In addition to Tembisa, EWC has a further five campuses located in Alberton, Boksburg, Germiston, Katlehong and Kempton and in May 2010, the learners at the Kathorus Campus in Katlehong were the first to receive a Renault Sandero.
“I am delighted that our Tembisa students also now have access to a full-time vehicle available to assist them with the practical aspects of their automotive studies,” said Du Plessis. “This will make such a difference to each of them and add life to what we are doing here on a daily basis.”
In her acceptance speech on behalf of the College Council Management, staff and students, EWC Principal, Mrs Hellen Ntlatleng expressed her gratitude. “Thank you for partnering with us on skills development. This can’t be done alone and we can only make it happen together with companies and organisations such as Renault.”
