In December 2022 Hytec South Africa sponsored hydraulic training and training rigs for use by Technotrain, an accredited training provider for industry compliance. The training, conducted at the Rexroth HUBB in Spartan, Gauteng, was given to Technotrain’s six facilitators. They, in turn, will use their new knowledge and the training rigs to educate up to 500 apprentices in its week-long hydraulic programme, which will take place in February 2023. Sponsored equipment includes Hytec SA’s hydraulic machinery, panels, and training displays.

Some of the specialisations offered by Technotrain are in the mechanical field, which requires exposure to hydraulic machinery, among others. Technotrain’s facilitators were trained on the use of the sponsored workstations and equipment to enhance learning when educating their enrolled apprentices about the functionality and applications of the various hydraulic equipment.

“We are proud of the opportunity to equip apprentices, through hands-on training, with Bosch Rexroth Africa’s learning materials and equipment, in their journey of becoming compliant,” says Allen van Gent, Group Training Manager, Bosch Rexroth Africa. “We look forward to continuing our ongoing relationship with Technotrain, which benefits the apprentices and the future of our industry. Our contribution will quadruple the learner capacity in practical training, which is essential for their exposure to the industry, benefitting their skills and experience. We intend to expand the initiative by sponsoring Technotrain’s pneumatic programme and introducing additional hydraulic and pneumatic modules,” he says.

Hytec SA supplied four double-sided hydraulic working stations for the apprentices, with a hydraulic display that features a cross-sectional design, helping apprentices gain a clear understanding of the workings of the machinery. The state-of-the-art equipment also features the latest technology.

“The sponsored equipment will be exactly what the learners find when exposed to the industry. By empowering learners with industry-specific hydraulic systems in their workstations, they will receive a better understanding and learn essential fault-finding and troubleshooting techniques that can be implemented cost-effectively and without any operational downtime,” van Gent concludes.

The apprenticeship training consists of theoretical and practical components, the latter ensuring that apprentices can independently plan, execute, and troubleshoot. Hytec has had a relationship with Technotrain for over six years to the benefit of local millwrights, fitters, and fitters and turners who are enrolled in Technotrain’s hydraulic programme

Technotrain hosts the programme for its apprentices three to four times a year, and it takes learners six to nine months to complete, depending on their trade. On completion of the programme, graduates receive accreditation and a Bosch Rexroth Africa certificate in hydraulic systems.