Township school draws big industry attention
Pupils attached to companies starting from Grade 8
The principal and deputy principal of the Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation in Ekurhuleni are amassing quite a reputation as the school has become a centre of excellence with big industry decision-makers knocking at their door to woo their engineering pupils.
The duo, principal Jaco Opperman and his deputy Rantshane Bogopa, are writing the manual on how Gauteng’s 21 schools of specialisation must operate in their collaboration with industry role players and the community for the benefit of the pupils’ future.
The school, which was previously a technical school, was launched as an engineering school of specialisation with a focus on manufacturing, logistics and transport two years ago, in August 2019.
The schools of specialisation, with the first one launched in 2016, offers a combination of theory and practical work in engineering; maths, science, and ICT; commerce and entrepreneurship; sports; and performing and creative arts.
Opperman, who has been with the school for eight years, told Sunday World that all the pupils at the school are attached to companies starting from Grade 8.
“Partners are now coming to us,” said Opperman.
When asked what they are doing to attract industry partners when some schools are battling to forge partnerships for practicals, he said: “It is by taking good care of the partners you already have. It then becomes simple for those partners to recommend you to others.
“Our partners tell us what they want, and our job is to make sure we provide them with learners who have the skills they want.”
When each pupil completes grade 12 they have a driver’s licence; training to operate a crane and forklift, and have completed a swimming course.
Bogopa said the school had 1 483 pupils who all come from the township, with the majority being girls (62%).
The no-fee paying school also plays an integral part in uplifting the community of Katlehong. It grows vegetables using hydroponics and aquaponics.
The school also has a chicken farm with layers. “Community members buy the eggs from the school to resell. Even the veggies benefit the community,” said Bogopa.