The successful Apprentice Training Programme, facilitated by MTU South Africa, a Tognum subsidiary welcomes home Apprentice of the Year 2010, Frederich Pfuhl. The annual Apprentice Training Programme gives a deserving Apprentice the opportunity to visit MTU Friedrichshafen in Germany for a six week training exchange. 

With 2011’s Apprentice Training Programme well under way, current Apprentice of the year, Pfuhl is back from his six week Mechatronics and product training on MTU engines typically used in South Africa. The training course is divided into three weeks of theory, two weeks on site visits to the engineering plants and one week on practical application of skills.

Pfuhl says that the training served as a refresher to concepts he was already familiar with but also allowed him to acquire new skills. Training at MTU Friedrichshafen also allowed him to see the greater scope of global MTU and the inner workings of their systems and processes. During his free time Pfuhl was able to explore and experience the German culture.

“I wish to thank MTU South Africa and MTU Friedrichshafen for giving me the opportunity to train in Germany. I have enjoyed learning new concepts of my trade as well as exploring the German Culture. I enriched myself both culturally and professionally, and am now eager to share the experience and knowledge with my peers. I would encourage any aspiring apprentice to pursue this career path as there is a demand for a workforce equipped with these specialised skills”, says Pfuhl.

Trainees, like Pfuhl, are selected for MTU SA’s four year long apprenticeship based on their school leaving certificate and any previous training received in the engineering field e.g. N2/3 Engineering studies, NCV L4, CBMT etc. A final criteria is based on the abovementioned, an interview and a competency test.

The training facilitated by qualified technicians from MTU SA entails practical learning as well as relevant theoretical training at Further Education and Training (FET) colleges and by other accredited training providers in South Africa. The curriculum is based on German apprentice training requirements, company requirements as well as the training schedule for “metal apprentices” as recommended by merSETA.

“The technical training programme is designed to train future artisans on the intricacies of engine assembly and servicing and also help them secure excellent career prospects. We look forward to awarding the title of Apprentice of the Year to the next deserving trainee, where he too will share in the experience as Frederich did”, explains James Arendse, MTU SA’s Apprentice Programme Training Coordinator.

With continuous success, the Apprentice Programme is currently running for the fourth consecutive year. As testament to the sought after skills training offered by the programme, MTU SA has also extended the training to two Navy trainees to gain the necessary on site experience working directly on board ships that are serviced by the MTU SA team in Simonstown.

“It is a great opportunity to be in the position to afford young South Africans this opportunity to equip themselves with the skills needed to be an asset to the industry and the country. We are pleased at the performance and progress of Frederich and look forward to seeing the further application of his skills and experience”, says Michael Baumann, Managing Director MTU South Africa.

Once trained, the artisans will service the diesel engine repair and maintenance fields for the company in Sub Saharan Africa. Pfuhl hopes to further specialise in Field Service which will allow him to travel and do repairs onsite. With Pfuhl‘s return, MTU SA is now planning the reciprocal visit of a German Apprentice to their workshops in South Africa. MTU SA, supplier of engines, complete propulsion and power systems in southern Africa holds an accreditation as a training establishment from the Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA).

About Tognum

With its two business units, Engines and Onsite Energy & Components, the Tognum Group is one of the world’s leading suppliers of engines, propulsion systems and distributed energy systems. These products are based on diesel engines with up to 9,100 kilowatts (kW) power output, gas engines up to 2,150 kW and gas turbines up to 45,000 kW.

About MTU South Africa

Within the Tognum Group MTU South Africa is responsible for sales and support service of MTU diesel engines in most of sub Sahara Africa. Engines are sold under the Brand names of MTU, Detroit Diesel and Mercedes Benz industrial engines that deliver quality, reliability,

dependability and design adequacy. The engines are used extensively throughout Africa and are renowned for superior performance under the most demanding of conditions.

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