Voith South Africa has established its dedicated training facility as a Centre of Excellence covering the products in the company’s portfolio. According to the company, the launch of the training facility is the answer to a growing need for skills in the engineering field.
Ashan Ramchuran, technical training officer at Voith, says: “As a result of the high level of skills shortages throughout the industry, OEMs are constantly in challenging positions, which could be viewed as a threat to the brand. A strong emphasis is being placed on training and development in order to keep personnel abreast of technological advancements and skills improvements.” “The training that Voith offers is structured in the same manner as in Germany, whereby there is a theoretical as well as a practical module that is hands-on orientated, and offers customers an opportunity to work on current equipment. Customers can even simulate actual live situations that they have experienced in the field.” There are currently five maintenance courses available, covering the DIWA and Brake Retarder product ranges. All the courses are available either at the Centre of Excellence or can be held on-site at the customer’s premises with a tailor-made programme designed to suit their specific needs.
In addition, there is a “Train the Trainer” course for OEMs to allow their product trainers to conduct on-the-job training for technicians.
Peter Wraight, manager of the Commercial Vehicle Division of Voith Turbo SA, adds: “Our training programmes can only have positive results for all when the following benefits are taken into consideration:- increased vehicle service levels
- optimum operation (uptime)
- reduced warranty claims
- fix first time
- skills development for technicians
- more professionalism in the transport industry.”
