WIL Student In Industry

Nokwanda excelling in her Apprenticeship at Arcelor Mittal
The Marketing Department caught up with Nokwanda Zitha, a former NCV student who performed exceptionally well during her time at the College and was rewarded by the Student Work-Placement Unit by being placed successfully into Industry at Arcelor Mittal as a Fitter

1. Name:
Nokwanda Zitha

2. Age:
I am 22 years old

3. What course did you take up at Majuba TVET College?
I studied the Fitter course (NCV Programme: Engineering and Related Design) at Majuba Technology Centre, which I started in 2014 and completed in 2016.

4. Tell us a little about yourself?
I am a simple girl who grew up in a rural area and moved to Newcastle. My younger brother and I were raised by a single mother, hence I had a tough upbringing and was difficult growing up. I am currently living in Madadeni.

5. Tell us how you went about applying for this Apprenticeship opportunity?
I was studying at Majuba TVET College doing my NCV Level 3 when my lecturer told me the good news about this pilot project, that had motivated me more and I had passed all my subjects with good results and that was why I was chosen to be a part of the project.

6. Which Company are you doing your Apprenticeship at?
Arcelor Mittal

7. Why did you choose to become a Fitter?
At first I had very little knowledge on what Fitting was all about, I chose it and as time went by it became rather interesting. I enjoy it for the fact that it is professionally challenging and it requires you to use your brain for instance if you are required to fix a machine you must think of ways in which you could diagnose that particular fault.

8. How has your experience been thus far?
It has been great! I have learnt so much.

9. How does your educational background support your career?
During my time at Majuba TVET College I was using machines and equipment which I am still using today so it is really easy for me to relate to because I wasn’t thrown in the deep end of doing something new.

10. What challenges have you faced in this Fitting apprenticeship position and how have you overcome it?
Since I am a female Artisan, there were a lot of people that were undermining me and believed that this job was going to be very difficult for me, but I had overcome this challenge by keeping my mind focused on my goals and dreams.

11. Share your experience about a successful project that you have accomplished?
Even though I am not done with my apprenticeship I regard it as a successful project, my success would not have been achieved without Majuba TVET College and MQA. This project has played a big role in my life for which I will always be grateful.

12. What advice can you give to Engineering students?
I would like to make a special shout out to all the Engineering students out there don’t ever give up. There are opportunities out there, all you have to do is give it your all, have a positive attitude, ask questions and finally you must have your mind focused to think ahead. I promise you if you do just that you will succeed.

13. How has this apprenticeship benefited you thus far?
Firstly I am gaining experience. I am getting plant exposure which is a great opportunity. Now I know exactly what Fitting is about. I know each and every challenge you face as a Fitter. This apprenticeship has also benefited me as I have received money (stipend) which I can also give to my mum and contribute towards the household expenses.

14. Being a female artisan what are the opportunities that you can pursue in this country?
There many opportunities that are out there awaiting us and since there are not much females in this field, the opportunities are greater and endless. There’s a reason why we always hear on the radio stations, television, magazines and newspapers that our country needs more artisans.

15. What advice would you give to the youth who also want to become Artisans?
Study, Study, Study!!! Yes you will face challenges but trust me when you overcome them it will all be worth it. No matter what gender you are you can do it, it wasn’t impossible for me so it won’t be impossible for you. You can become an Artisan with endless opportunities that will be awaiting you.

16. What are your future Career plans?
One day I wish to work in a big Company or in a Mining Industry. In the next 10 years I see myself working in a mine not just as an Artisan but as the CEO of that company. It has also been my wish to open my own Panel Beating Company, maybe one day!