What industry do you work in and what exactly are your skills?
I work in the industry of turbine fitting.
What inspired you to get into this sort of industry?
My grandfather inspired me in the year 1980 to do metal work since he discovered the talent in me and during that time I used to play with a lot of metals so I then decided to follow his idea which led me to where I am today.
What qualifications and experience did you have to gain In order to establish yourself and therefore become a professional within your industry?
My skills basically involve experience on refurbishing high pressure, intermediate, low pressure and generator turbines, BFPT turbines concentrically, alignment, baffles, gland boxes, white metal bearing, oil wipers diaphragms’, barring gear, ESV and governor valves, bearing alignment, couplings and alignment, basic hydraulics
- General precision machine shop engineering;
- Ability to read and translate engineering drawings;
- Ability to use all machine shop precision machinery;
- Ability to use all precision metric and imperial measuring instruments;
- Able to design and manufacture press and casting die tools;
- FMCG;
- Computer literate;
- Visual inspection.
What is the most challenging aspect within your field of work?
Installing a rotter on a generator which is located in a high risk area with CCTV 24/7.
How do you manage and overcome these challenges?
Such challenges I deal with through asking colleagues, reading and analysis.
What has been the highlight of your career?
The year 2000 when the company I was working for was sold to an Indigenous personnel and he then elevated me to the post of production manager and had 200 workers.
If somebody starts as a trainee / beginner within your line of work, what could they earn in salary?
Roughly R1500 monthly
What can this person expect to earn after 10 years of experience?
Roughly R3000 per month
Who is your role model and why?
My wife because she gives me advice and new ideas whenever I most need it and she also has an impact on the things I do.
What motivates you to work this hard?
My family is what motivates me.
What is your outlook within your industry over the next 5 years?
I see the industry growing because of the abundant natural resources that are available in Africa.
As you know, numerous African countries are being invested in due to their rich minerals. Which country within Africa do you think will be the next hot spot and why?
I would have to say DRC because it is rich in minerals such as gold and diamonds.
