Damelin’s engineering lecturer Pranesh Somar, started this initiative to take students out to the field to expose them to the industry they hope to get into. The students got to see what the field of engineering is about on a professional level.
22 students went to Alexandra Park where they got to observe engineers on site as they worked. They were shown demonstrations and worked under the supervision of their lecturer and the engineers.
“The purpose of theses field trips is to bridge the gap between theory work and practical work,“ said Pranesh.
The field trips helps students academically by getting a deeper knowledge in site surveying and understand pre-contract work as well as the drafting of plans. All of these are the elements of what the civil engineering course offers.
Damelin is committed to academic excellence providing practical learning for students and exposing them to the industry before they graduate. This gives them an added advantage when they graduate and apply for work.
In addition to getting practical work experience, the field trip is also a great way for the students to sharpen their leadership skills and take ownership of projects. Students learn the value of hard work and seeing how other people perform in the workplace to push the vision of the company forward.
“I feel like I already know how the engineering world works. These field trips remind me of why I decided to get into this field in the first place. I can’t wait to complete my studies and start working,” said Njabulo Majola, civil engineering student at Damelin PMB.
Njabulo also added that the support they get from the academic staff and their lecturers has been phenomenal. They are being set up for success.
Damelin believes that when quality is combined with a commitment to each student, they can perform exceptionally. Activities such as field trips help to ignite the students drive for success.
Damelin is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) To find out more visit www.damelin.co.za
