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By Johnathan Paoli
The Gauteng Education department has reaffirmed its commitment to building a skilled workforce for the future by hosting the much-anticipated Technical Skills Festival at John Orr Engineering School of Specialisation.
Addressing the event, MEC of Education Matome Chiloane applauded the learners for their creativity and commitment.
“These young talents proved that they are not merely learners, but innovators with the imagination and ability to shape industries,” he said.
Chiloane emphasised that the winners would advance to higher levels of competition, with the potential to reach a global stage.
By recognising excellence early, the Department hopes to encourage young innovators to pursue technical careers that will support Gauteng’s industrial growth and economic sustainability.
“By harnessing these skills early, we are nurturing creators and builders who will drive innovation and define the future of our economy. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our partners and sponsors for walking this journey with us in building tomorrow’s technicians today,” Chiloane added.
The event brought together learners from across the province who showcased their technical expertise and innovative problem-solving skills in a range of disciplines critical to South Africa’s economy.
The festival, branded under the hashtag #TechnicalSkillsFest, provided a platform for learners to demonstrate their capabilities in Automotive, Power Systems, Electronics, Fitting and Machining, Civil Services, Woodworking, Construction, and Welding.
Far from being a traditional competition, the initiative was designed as a dynamic hands-on showcase of knowledge, creativity, and application in real-world contexts.
Throughout the day, workshops allowed participants to engage in practical projects that tested their technical abilities, teamwork, and creativity.
From fine-tuned engines in the Automotive category to precision measurements in Fitting and Machining, the learners displayed not only technical mastery but also ingenuity in solving practical challenges.
To encourage excellence, trophies were awarded to the top three learners in each of the eight subjects, recognising outstanding performance in Automotive, Electrical, Electronics, Fitting and Machining, Welding, Civil Services, Woodworking, and Construction.
Winners were further rewarded with full sets of professional tools of their trade, giving them a tangible foundation to continue developing their craft and careers.
According to the department, the festival was not just about competition but also about creating a learning space where young people could gain exposure to industry expectations and showcase their potential to educators, industry partners, and future employers.
The Technical Skills Festival forms part of the department’s broader Schools of Specialisation programme, which focuses on developing excellence in priority sectors such as engineering, aviation, ICT, mining, and the arts.
By aligning education with the province’s industrial and economic needs, the department seeks to equip learners with both the academic knowledge and technical expertise required in the workplace.
Industry partners and sponsors played a critical role in supporting the festival, providing resources, mentorship and prizes.
Their involvement also helped expose learners to professional networks and industry-standard tools, bridging the gap between classroom learning and workplace expectations.
By giving learners a competitive stage and rewarding their excellence, the department said it was ensuring these careers are seen as aspirational and essential.
With unemployment among South African youth remaining stubbornly high, initiatives such as the Technical Skills Festival underscore the urgency of equipping learners with employable, in-demand skills.
By fostering confidence, creativity, and practical ability, the Department aims to position its learners not just as job seekers but as future innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
The festival concluded with celebrations of the winners, but the broader message was clear that the province’s economic future is in capable hands.
INSIDE EDUCATION