EIT Announces First Africa Open Day to Explore Engineering Pathways

Connecting Education with Working Life 

Discussions will cover electrical and electronics, mechanical and civil engineering, alongside renewable energy, automation and advanced manufacturing. 

Kamohelo Tsotetsi, EIT’s Lead Course Advisor, said work commitments can make further study difficult for professionals who cannot regularly take leave to attend classes, practical sessions or examinations in person. Those working outside their home countries may face additional difficulties accessing campus-based study. 

“We allow and give them the opportunity to study and work simultaneously,” Tsotetsi said. 

The program includes discussions about employer expectations, course options, accreditation, student support, remote and virtual laboratories, group training, scholarships and bursaries, and applications. A live question-and-answer session will give attendees an opportunity to seek clarification. 

Kerry Marques, General Manager for South Africa, will also present, while Course Advisor Portia Mohube will moderate the event. 

Finding a Suitable Study Pathway

Tsotetsi said course advice begins with understanding a prospective student’s background, current challenges and goals. A school leaver choosing an initial qualification may need different guidance from a professional seeking to build on years of industry experience. 

For school leavers, he identified associate and bachelor’s degrees as possible pathways, subject to the relevant entry requirements, including mathematics. Experienced professionals may consider advanced diplomas, further qualifications or micro-credentials to develop additional skills, depending on their existing education and experience. 

Applying Learning in the Workplace

Antonio Norberto, EIT Master of Engineering (Mechanical) graduate, will share his experience of completing advanced study while working in the energy industry. 

In his role supporting the planning and execution of offshore and onshore activities, Norberto drew on systems thinking, risk assessment, and project management concepts from his studies to examine process inefficiencies. 

“Rather than focusing only on immediate issues, I learned to assess the entire workflow, which led to improvements in operational visibility and risk management,” Norberto said. 

His open day topic, “Advancing Your Engineering Career Through Lifelong Learning: Balancing Work, Study, and Professional Growth,” will also address the demands of combining work, family responsibilities and academic deadlines. 

“Setting clear study schedules and maintaining focus on long-term goals helped me stay on track,” he said. 

Norberto also credits EIT’s flexibility and support from lecturers and fellow students. He will share practical strategies for managing these commitments and applying academic knowledge to workplace challenges. 

From Questions to Possibilities

Portia Mohube’s topic, “From Questions to Possibilities,” will encourage attendees to consider how an engineering pathway could fit their starting point. 

“As a Course Advisor, I’m used to speaking with people at different stages of their decision-making, so I want attendees to feel comfortable asking questions without feeling that they need to already understand the engineering field,” Mohube said. 

She encourages attendees to ask which pathway suits their current circumstances and how they can upskill through EIT. 

Support will continue after the event, with attendees able to contact EIT’s Course Advisors for guidance on programs, entry requirements and applications. 

“The Open Day should be a starting point rather than the end of the conversation,” Mohube said. 

Registration and Participation

The event welcomes school leavers, working professionals, people considering a career change, and parents or guardians. A recording will be sent to registered attendees afterward. 

Participants can view the full program and register through the EIT Africa Open Day event page.