Long-term training approach critical to ensure student success

The Denel Centre for Learning and Development (DCLD) is a training institution focusing specifically on the development of skills for the aviation and engineering industries. Though initially established to satisfy the internal requirements of the then Atlas Aircraft Corporation, the need to commercialise training arose as a survival strategy when the apprentice requirement by Denel Aviation started to decline. The institution is presently the only one offering training commercially in these fields for the collective industry, providing both local and international students with world-class training. Khoza explains that, until recently, the process followed by DCLD saw students being trained up to a certain point and subsequently “moving on” to complete their internships and practical training elsewhere, “This is because the facility only offers the first year theoretical course, with the remaining two years of practical experience being gained by working in the industry.”

This approach – the one typically employed by most learning institutions – sees students left without a dependable and consistent support base at the end of their first year of study: an untenable situation according to Khoza. “Providing students, especially those embarking on internships or practical training, with ongoing mentorship and support greatly enhances their chance of success. It keeps them motivated and encouraged – and ultimately focused on their long-term goal.” This is the rationale behind DCLD’s move towards a more sustained support strategy for its students – which sees the centre engaging directly with Aircraft Maintenance Organisations (AMOs), inviting them to become far more strategic long-term partners. In terms of the proposal, DCLD will take students through to qualification level with the students being transferred directly to the AMO after completing their first year. Students would remain in contact with their DCLD trainers and receive ongoing mentorship and support during their internships. “This arrangement will allow us to track and monitor the progress of students throughout their journey towards qualification,” says Khoza. “In this way we will be able to red-flag any issues and assist with these immediately, as well as provide them with any advice and guidance they might need.”

With DCLD’s revised strategy sure to impact positively on both its students and the overall aviation and aerospace industries in the long-term, AMOs wanting to make their mark and ensure skills sustainability are sure to see the value of this partnership approach. In working together to create a new generation of motivated and highly-skilled aviators and engineers, youths who enrol at DCLD can look forward to getting the best all-encompassing educational package possible, and beginning a rewarding career in engineering.