In Project Workshop 58 of CRRC Dalian Durban Co., Ltd., Wendy Nongabu, a 23-year-old local girl, wore a work hat and carried drawings in her hand, shuttled between the machine tools to help the Chinese project manager communicate with the local operator.
She not only works as a translator, but also is responsible for inspecting the accurate operation of various equipment.
About a year ago, Wendy was a student at Luban Workshop in South Africa.
After the training, she successfully entered CRRC Dalian Durban Co., Ltd. through the talent channel built between South African Chinese enterprises and Luban Workshop, and became a project assistant. With his accumulated mechanical expertise and language skills, Wendy quickly adapted to the requirements of the job and worked well. At Luban Workshop, I learned solid technology and my career plan was clearer. Wendy said.
Luban Workshop in South Africa is the result of close cooperation between Tianjin Vocational University and Durban University of Technology in South Africa.
Since its inauguration in December 2019, the first phase of additive manufacturing technology and Internet of Things technology has been established to carry out vocational education training and innovation projects. It is also the “Chinese+” vocational skills training center and practice base in South Africa.
Through the signing of talent-oriented transportation agreements with Chinese-funded enterprises in South Africa, it provides guarantee for the employment of students. At present, Luban Workshop in South Africa has received nearly 1,000 students and sent hundreds of employees to various enterprises.
“Luban Workshop has brought South Africa a good model for China’s higher vocational education to cultivate talents, improved the practical training conditions, and trained many compound talents.” Sudwa Mtembo, president of Durban University of Technology, said.
“When epidemic prevention materials were in short supply, Luban Workshop sent us a batch of special masks – all of which came from the young people in the workshop.” Thomas Kaunda, mayor of Durban, said.
After the outbreak of the epidemic, Luban Workshop mobilized teachers and students, used 3D printing technology, and quickly made 4,000 protective masks through additive manufacturing equipment in the workshop, which were distributed to local hospitals, pension institutions, emergency relief agencies, etc.
for free. Teachers and students have also designed an air quality detection application to provide relevant data support for the decision-making of local government departments. Kaonda said: “Luban Workshop brings advanced technology to help Durban’s scientific fight against the epidemic.”
Since 2020, Luban Workshop has opened in Nigeria, Egypt, Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire, Madagascar and other countries.
Combining the economic development and resource industry of African countries, Luban Workshop has opened a total of 23 majors in seven categories, such as new energy, electromechanical integration, railway operation and traditional Chinese medicine, according to local conditions.
Moyo, vice president of Durban University of Technology, said: “The most scarce thing in Africa is skilled talents at present. Luban Workshop allows many South African youth to learn skills, find jobs and play an important role in their jobs. The more workshops like this, the better!”
