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MOELLER ELECTRIC PARTNERS PLC SKILLING

Requests by Western Cape manufacturing companies and students for access to programmable logic controller (PLC) training have led to a partnership between Northlink College and local automation and switchgear company, Moeller Electric.

The two organisations have combined local vision and teaching skills with leading German products and components, to make available Northlink's first formal courses in PLC technology and its applications.

South Africa is experiencing an accelerating need for PLC skills as a result of technological development and advances in machine automation and process control systems.

In the Western Cape, Northlink College head of Electrical Engineering Pat Lawrence identified and approached Moeller Electric as a partner to help the college meet part of the requirement. Moeller Electric has proven capabilities in equipment supply and support, and the capacity to formulate and deliver very high quality training programmes.

Suitable space at the college was identified and allocated at Belhar Campus, one of eight campuses at Northlink, allowing Moeller Electric engineers to design the new facility and equip it using funding provided by a Department of Education recapitalisation grant.

Belhar Campus is the centre of Northlink's training in electrical engineering.

Ivan Robertson, Northlink's electrical heavy current programme manager, provided guidance and assistance while the new facility was fitted with the latest Moeller PS4-200 PLCs, and model DV5, DV6 and MFD-Titan variable speed drives.

The completion of Northlink's new facility paved the way for Gert Jonker, Moeller Electric's director of training and technology, to begin courses for lecturing staff.

Students for the college's first course of part-time study in basic PLC programming took their seats in May.

Cape Town-based Northlink College is a government owned and nationally registered Further Education and Training (FET) institution falling under the Western Cape Education Department. A team appointed by the Department manages the college and its assets.

Courses at Northlink are oriented toward engineering and building related occupations, business, utility and social services. All courses emphasise hands-on training to equip students with the knowledge, skills and practical experience that ensure employment in the labour market.

Students enrol at the College either as an alternative matriculation to high school Grades 10 - 12, or post-matriculation to follow NQF-level skills courses, National Certificate courses or National/International Diploma courses at one of the eight campuses located in Cape Town's northern suburbs.

The second PLC training course at Northlink College is scheduled to begin in November 2007.

PHOTOGRAPHS SHOW: Northlink College's new training facility (top), close-up of test bench (bottom).

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