Barloworld partners with Wits to produce world class engineering graduates
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at Wits University today received a R2-million boost from Barloworld for upgrading and replacing laboratory infrastructure critical in ensuring the faculty retains its Engineering Council of South Africa (ACSA) accreditation.
Barloworld executives meet Wits academics and management at a function to unveil a plaque on campus to recognize Barloworld for its R2 million contribution towards the re-equipping of Wits engineering laboratories
Prof. Raymond Nkado, former Dean of the Faulty, says: “We have not had major equipment revamp since the mid 1980s. Industry support has become crucial as the state subsidy to support universities declines. The ability of the university to inject funds at the required level and frequency for equipment renewal is severely curtailed, and beyond its financial powers. In the meantime, we will continue to produce world-class engineers, helping industry to become globally competent at pushing the boundaries of innovation.”
More than 1 100 undergraduate students registered this year in The School of Electrical and Information Engineering and the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering will benefit from this infrastructure upgrade.
“Up-to-date and leading infrastructure is essential as engineering degrees involve practical work as early as the first year of study,” says Nkado. “The engineering industry ultimately benefits by investing in engineering students. Competently trained graduates require a shorter learning curve in the workplace, are highly productive and will help fulfil the critical skills needed in the industry. We extend our gratitude to Barloworld for their contribution and continued support towards the significant capital required to produce world-class engineers.”
Barloworld has worked in partnership with Wits since the mid-1970s, having donated substantial funds, which were leveraged with intellectual capital such as when its former chairman, Mike Rosholt, became Chancellor of Wits in 1982 – an appointment which lasted until 1996. Barloworld has funded the Barloworld Mechanical Engineering laboratory, and the Barloworld Chair of Industrial Engineering, and continues to have representation on various committees in the Faculty.
Says Barloworld: “The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment is at the forefront of creating wealth by providing society with well-educated, entrepreneurial graduates in engineering and built environment programmes. In addition, excellence in undergraduate work is the foundation for high quality postgraduate research, the route to cutting edge innovation and global competitiveness, economic growth and prosperity for all.”
Jennifer Smith
Head: CSI
Barloworld Limited
Tel +27 11 445 1268
Fax +27 11 445 1581
Cell 082 808 5911
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