Pretoria – Transnet is calling on students, who are eligible to apply for bursaries and its training programme for Chartered Accountants, to submit applications to further their studies.
“This is in line with the company’s commitment to expand and strengthen its skills base, with a particular focus on scarce skills in the engineering and accounting fields,” Transnet said in a statement on Thursday.
Entry requirements for bursaries are Grade 12 learners with outstanding achievements in Mathematics, as well as Physical Science and they should be South African.
The bursaries are for full-time study towards a Bachelor of Engineering or a Bachelor of Science in Engineering at any South African university in the disciplines of civil engineering, electrical engineering and electronic engineering.
Other disciplines include mechanical engineering, industrial engineering and metallurgy engineering.
For the chartered accountants training programme, the minimum entry requirement is a Certificate in Theory of Accounting (CTA) or a BCompt Hons or final year. Current final year CTA students are also eligible to apply.
Transnet will award 171 bursaries to eligible students.
“Transnet has set aside R7.6 billion over the next 10 years for skills development and bursaries as part of its rolling R380 billion infrastructure investment programme -- the Market Demand Strategy. About R1.2 billion of this amount will be spent on bursaries,” the company said.
The bursary covers full costs, including tuition fees, accommodation and meals, a book allowance, a computer (from second year if required), and on-the-job training.
Last year, the company awarded comprehensive bursaries to 155 students and currently has 534 bursars in the pipeline.
Transnet has funded 3 288 students since the launch of its bursary scheme in 1994.
Transnet also offers a three-year learnership programme for candidates with a CTA or Bcompt/Hons or equivalent.
Transnet’s Chartered Accountants Training Programme is accredited with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants and provides practical experience and preparation for board examinations.
“In the financial year to March 2016, Transnet absorbed 563 engineering technicians and 613 apprentices into its work integrated learning experience programme.
“A total of 3 145 apprentices are currently in the system. In terms of sector-specific skills development, our focus is primarily on marine, port, rail and cargo handling,” Transnet said. – SAnews.gov.za
