Eastcape Midlands TVET College (EMC) has, thanks to its partnership with the Schneider Electric Foundation and Schneider Electric, established a state-of-the-art electrical laboratory, and now joins the ranks of the French Southern African Schneider Electric Education Centre (F’SASEC) network as a Centre of Excellence.

Situated at EMC’s Brickfields Road Campus in Uitenhage, Eastern Cape, the laboratory equips electrical apprentices - enrolled in the QCTO (Quality Council for Trades and Occupations) programme - with hands-on experience in advanced electrical and electronic systems. Training is conducted on equipment generously donated by the Schneider Electric Foundation and Schneider Electric.

Speaking at the official opening of the centre, Zanélle Dalglish, Global Leader: Training & Education Affairs at Schneider Electric said: “As the skills gap continues to widen, there’s an urgent need to equip young professionals with future-ready capabilities. 

“At Schneider Electric, we’re proud to play a role in addressing this challenge by embedding our solutions directly into learning environments. This practical exposure not only enhances technical proficiency but also reinforces our commitment to preparing the next generation of talent for the energy and digital sectors.”

Complimenting the newly implemented education benches donated by the Schneider Electric Foundation, more than 300 students have already been upskilled at EMC through Schneider Electric’s circularity equipment donations programme on industry relevant training panels.”  

Since 2009, the Schneider Electric Foundation has impacted over a million young people globally through meaningful investment and partnerships, contributing to equitable education and workforce development. Training institutions like EMC are part of the Foundation’s Energy Technical Training programme and play a fundamental role in nurturing talent for the energy transition, especially within underserved communities.

Thareef Bloew, Artisan and Technician Training Manager said: “Seeing our students train on Schneider Electric’s state-of-the-art equipment which were generously donated is game-changing,”

“These aren’t generic training panels; they’re the exact systems used in industry today.  There’s no doubt our new Centre of Excellence gives them unparalleled confidence and competence from day one.

“Furthermore, it aligns with the QCTO Electrician qualification, which is fundamentally built around the pillars of Industry 4.0. Think smart grids, IoT integration, advanced automation and energy efficiency – these aren't futuristic concepts here; they're core to our curriculum. Schneider Electric’s s technology and expertise allow us to deliver this curriculum authentically. Our students aren't just learning about Industry 4.0; they're working with it daily.”

Industry-ready equipment 

EMC’s School of Occupational Training, which delivers apprenticeships and industry-aligned skills programmes, will now offer learners hands-on training with the latest technology in electrical and electronic systems. The centre has been fitted with advanced training equipment from Schneider Electric that include:

• Combination motor starter trainers.
• Three-phase Variable Speed Drive (VSD) trainers.
• Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) / Human-Machine Interface (HMI) trainers.
• Domestic household trainers.

These systems will support practical learning aligned with the registered QCTO electrical apprenticeship qualification, ensuring learners are trained in line with the demands of today’s energy sector.

Testimonies from students echo this transformation. Sivikele Ndzwaiba, a third-year apprentice, shared: “What I like about the Schneider Electric panels is that they allow us to explore new technology, particularly industrial automation. You can write your PLC and visualise operations on your HMI, it’s an efficient and industrial solution.”

Stephan Esterhuizen, also from EMC, added: “The PLC-HMI training panel teaches us how to monitor different variables in a factory setting. It’s not just technical know-how; it’s insight into the industry of tomorrow.”

In addition to equipment donations, the collaboration also includes:

• Train-the-Trainer programmes to upskill EMC facilitators.
• Access to Schneider Electric’s Energy University – a complimentary digital learning platform.
• Technical support and global best practice sharing.
• Peer collaboration with other F’SASEC institutions across Southern Africa.

As a public TVET institution under the Department of Higher Education and Training, EMC serves communities across the Eastern Cape. Many of its students come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and initiatives like this play a crucial role in breaking barriers and building brighter futures.