New Age Engineering Solutions launched its training programme with a clear mission: to upskill young people and equip them with the practical, in-demand expertise needed to succeed in the workplace.
This month, that vision reached a major milestone. A group of 12 New Age trainees travelled to Cape Town to take their Pipe Fitter Trade Test at West Coast College, Vredenburg Campus. The trip marks a proud achievement for both the participants and the programme, as it’s the first time New Age has presented candidates for trade testing since the initiative began.
The Journey to Qualification
Thapelo Mathipa, a trainee in the programme, joined New Age with no prior artisan experience, but through perseverance, he grew to love pipefitting. “I told myself to be resilient. Now I see this trade test as a big opportunity to build a future,” he said.
For Sinethemba Mathenjwa, entering a male-dominated field was challenging, but she pushed herself beyond what she thought possible. “I never imagined I’d use a grinder or a cutting torch, but I kept going,” she said, adding that this trade test will prove they are qualified and capable.
Both Thapelo and Sinethemba see the trade test as a life-changing opportunity. Thapelo hopes to continue his studies and eventually move into a Superintendent role, while Sinethemba aspires to grow into Quality Control (QC) and leadership positions. Thapelo credited their Supervisor, Ford Marais, as a role model whose guidance and problem-solving skills inspired them throughout the training process.
Thapelo and Sinethemba working together during a hands-on training session
Thapelo and Sinethemba are excited about taking their trade tests and look forward to advancing their careers in the industry
Pipe Fitter Trade Test as a Stepping Stone
Thendo Thangoane, New Age’s Human Resources Practitioner, expressed pride in the programme’s progress. “This shows that we are doing a good thing as New Age — training the youth and ensuring they become qualified individuals who can work within the organisation,” he said. Thendo also highlighted that the Pipe Fitter Trade Test from West Coast College is an internationally recognised qualification. “It gives you a stepping stone into the world of engineering,” he added.
The trainees recently returned from Cape Town, having completed both theoretical and practical lessons, along with assessments that qualified them for the next phase of their trade test. They are now awaiting their serial numbers from the Quality Council for Trades & Occupations (QCTO), and once all is cleared, they will return to complete the final requirements. We wish them every success as they move toward securing their full trade certification.
The New Age trainees are all set and ready to take on the pipefitting trade test
