Transport utility Transnet’s plan to invest some R330 billion in infrastructure over the next seven years should create an incentive for more black people to pursue engineering as a career, speakers at the fourth National Society of Black Engineers Conference said last Thursday.

South Africa’s engineers are highly regarded worldwide for their expertise and educational background.

Engineering firms, however, have struggled to employ large numbers of non-white engineers because universities have not produced them at rates quick enough to meet project demands.

Even though finding black candidates for junior positions is not an easy task, doing so can reap rewards for companies, as it would boost their Black Economic Empowerment scorecards.

It takes around five years to obtain qualifications for engineering, which is considered a skilled profession.

The University of Witwatersrand’s engineering school is one of the few A-rated schools in the country.

Source: business live