In August 2024, ACTOM High Voltage Equipment (HVE), in collaboration with ACTOM Distribution Transformers (ADT), hosted 120 7th-grade learners from Kgatlamping Primary School in Tembisa at its Knights factory in Germiston to enhance their STEM learning experience outside the classroom.
The learners were divided into three groups of forty each and accompanied by six teachers, two HC personnel, one Engineer, two Engineers In Training, and two SHEQ/Safety representatives, who visited ACTOM Knights from 13 to 15 August 2024.
The EITs gave the learners an overview presentation about ACTOM and its manufacturing capabilities, followed by a tour of the manufacturing process.
The EITs did a great job explaining to the children about the different careers ACTOM offers and what they need to study to enter the engineering field. This exposure benefited the children and energised the EITs when they saw the excitement on the children’s faces.
“The children did not know what a transformer was; they called it ‘danger’ as that is the sign normally found on transformers. Once they realised what goes into the manufacturing of transformers, they were flabbergasted,” said Seja Kgwale, Human Capital Manager at ACTOM High Voltage Equipment.
After the visit to HVE, the children visited the facilities in the ADT division. “Our Engineering Department shared knowledge and educated the learners on the Distribution transformer products they are exposed to daily in their community without understanding the functions. It was a fulfilling experience to see how learners expressed an interest in our products by asking questions. We cannot wait for the next visit,” said Kombi Shibambu, ADT.
After the factory tours, the children were treated to lunch and goody bags. The EITs then organised a competition with the children, asking questions about what they had seen during the day. Prizes were given to a learner who answered correctly. “It was a fun day, and I hope that by being introduced to the facilities, they learnt there is more to a career than being a businessman or an entrepreneur and that they understood that the world is their oyster when making a career choice,” Kgwale said.
Mary Mtsweni, Principal of Kgatlamping Primary School, said, “The School Governing Body, Staff, and learners extend their appreciation to ACTOM for the warm and educational tour.”
Kgwale added, “I would like to thank Engineering, SHEQ, and ADT for their support. Without it, the day wouldn’t have been half as successful as it was.”