Since a strategy to counter the loss of engineering skills was conceived in 2004, the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality managed to employ the majority of the students who received comprehensive bursaries from the local government institution on a full time basis.
Cllr Andile Mfunda, Portfolio Committee Chairperson for Infrastructure, Engineering, Electricity and Energy, said this initiative bodes well for the municipality since 30 of the 43 individuals who received bursaries from the municipality are already part of our team.
“Another three will officially report for duty during the first two months whilst 9 are at various stages of completing their studies. Only one student left the municipality after finishing the compulsory working period.
“We are also not just throwing these young men and women into the deep end, as Council approved an item in 2012 for the appointment of retired engineers to mentor the bursars and inexperienced staff.
“This programme is extremely important as we not only give students an opportunity to study without the headache of worrying where the money for tuition, meals, accommodation and books will come from, they also get stipends while getting practical experience in the work place. To top it all, they are also assured of a permanent job after successfully completing their studies.
“With our intake of students this year, our aim is to address the need for qualified students in B Eng (Civil Engineering), BSc: Mechanical and B Sc: Electrical Engineering,” Cllr Mfunda said.
The municipality will publish a call for prospective engineers to apply shortly.
The criteria are as follows:
Bursaries for study are available in the following engineering disciplines:
- BSc. Civil Engineering
- B. Sc./B. Eng Mechanical Engineering
- B. Sc. Electrical Engineering
Who can apply:
- Grade 12 learners with South African ID numbers, who are permanent residents in South Africa.
- Must have Matric exemption, with Mathematics and Science, minimum B average (HG).
- Current students at university already studying B. Sc./Civil, B. Sc./B. Eng. Mechanical and B. Sc. Electrical Engineering.
The bursary will cover tuition, residence and meal fees.
The successful candidate will be required to enter into a binding contract with the Council after graduation for a period equal to the tenure of the bursary.
Where bursars are required to undertake experiential training, as prescribed by the course, with the Municipality, an allowance will be paid to the bursar during this period.
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