With the middle of the year fast approaching it’s pretty much business as usual as Covid is taking a back seat for now, although increasing infection rates are of concern. SAFPA’s online technical talks are kicking off again after the Easter break, The first one on filtration will be presented by Walter Heijboer from Hydac on 19 May at 10 and the second will be a discussion on seals in June (date and time to be advised).
Education is high on the SAFPA council’s priority list and we have engaged with the Academic Institute of Excellence (AIE), a training body in Midrand. AIE is an accredited training provider looking at assisting SAFPA to create a recognised training course for learners wanting to enter the Fluid Power industry.
Step one: An open day will be held at AIE. Originally planned for 12 May, it has now been postponed as a result of Covid. This open day is intended to introduce SAFPA to the learners and show the learners the size and diversity of the Fluid Power industry. It is believed that the Fluid Power industry is relatively unknown to most school-leaving students, and awareness of our industry is sorely needed. This open day will be extended to all SAFPA members, giving them the opportunity to exhibit on a small stand and essentially have a ‘show and tell’ for any interested students.
Step two: AIE will create a specific course from existing course material. This course could then be marketed as ‘Hydraulic Technician’.
Step three: AIE will get the course accredited with the likes of SAQA and ECSA.
In order for this course to work successfully, it will require the full support of the SAFPA members, as onsite training will be required for these learners to become qualified.
Social events
Due to the adverse weather conditions that have plagued us thus far this year, the cycle race date has not been confirmed. Now that winter is approaching, the weather will be more favourable, with the early afternoons too cold, and a new date will be sent out shortly. Council members are also working on dates for a golf day and a soccer day. Again, these dates will be released as soon as more information is available.
Regards, Michael Abbot.
| Tel: | +27 11 061 5000 |
| Fax: | 086 589 2158 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.safpa.org.za |
| Articles: | More information and articles about SA Fluid Power Association (SAFPA) |
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