Uncategorized
Train-maker, the Gibela Rail Transport Consortium, is calling for applications for 200 bursaries in 2022 in engineering, manufacturing, computer science, supply chain and logistics, and various trade fields – for both universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions.
Gibela, which has a contract to manufacture 600 trains for the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA), said its bursaries include full tuition and a book allowance. The bursaries are granted for one year and are renewable on an annual basis based on academic performance.
Bursary applicants must be:
South African citizens with a South African barcoded identity document.Enrolled or intending to enrol at a South African TVET institution (current N3/N4 candidates are encouraged to apply).Enrolled or intending to enrol at a South African university or university of technology (current first- and second-year candidates are encouraged to apply).Able to demonstrate potential for academic success; andIn need of financial assistance.
“Gibela is revitalising South Africa’s railway industry by manufacturing state-of-the-art commuter trains in the country. It is heavily committed to upskilling and training South Africans to be able to participate in this industry in South Africa – that has potential to grow,” it said.
Citing a report by the World Bank, it said that tertiary education is vital for the development of human capital and innovation, and can serve every country – from the poorest to the richest – by developing its talent and leadership pool, generating and applying knowledge to local and global challenges, and participating in the global knowledge economy.
The report highlights important tertiary education sectors, and engineers, technicians and managers are among the professions mentioned as being key players in public and private sector development.
Corporate services and traction motors operation executive at Gibela, Dr Buyiswa Mncono-Liwani, said: “Quality education will unlock the potential of South Africa’s future and our ability to effectively grow our economy. The bursaries that we offer each year for tertiary study at universities, universities of technology and TVET institutions are an important part of our broader commitment to education and skills development.
“Gibela is invested in educational initiatives in South Africa, from early childhood development and school programmes with a focus on STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] subjects, right through to tertiary education, internships and incubators.
“In addition, with our focus on local content development, we invest in upskilling professionals to build trains in South Africa and ensure they have the skills to continue developing their careers, beyond our contract term with PRASA.”
Gibela bursaries for study at a university or university of technology are available in the following disciplines:
Electrical, electronic, mechanical, metallurgical, and industrial engineering;Computer science and information technology;Accounting; andSupply chain and logistics management.
The prerequisites for applying for a Gibela bursary at a university or university of technology are:
A matric with level 6 for mathematics, physical science and accounting, and level 5 for English.Written proof of acceptance for admission to a South African university or university of technology.
Gibela bursaries to study at TVET institutions are available for the following professions:
BoilermakersElectriciansMechanicsFitters and turnersMillwrightsWeldersPattern-makersVehicle-buildersPlumbersControl and instrumentation technicians
The prerequisites for a Gibela bursary at a TVET institution are:
A matric with Mathematics and Science, and English at level 4Written proof of acceptance for admission to a South African TVET institution
Gibela said that its bursary applications close on 15 February 2022. Interested applicants should send a short CV, a certified copy of their academic records and a certified copy of their South African identity document to gibelabursaries@communityrail.co.za.
The group said it will respond only to applicants who make it through the first round of assessments. “Applicants who have not been contacted by 26 March 2022 should consider their applications unsuccessful.”