Kachenjile Silwimba

From Zambia’s mining heartland to online classrooms, Kachenjile Silwimba’s journey shows how resilience, innovation, and EIT’s flexible learning model can open doors for professionals ready to lead in industrial automation and shape smarter systems in challenging environments.

Discovering Passion Through Real-World Experience

Kachenjile’s interest in industrial automation engineering was sparked early during his studies in Instrumentation and Control. But it was on-site, at Barrick’s Lumwana Mining Company Limited in Zambia, where that passion truly ignited.

Working as an Instrumentation and Control Technician, he witnessed firsthand how automation could transform operational safety, efficiency, and productivity.

“I was fascinated by how much smarter and safer systems became through automation,” he says. “I knew I wanted to be part of that future.”

To remain competitive in the fast-evolving industry, he began looking for ways to deepen his expertise, without pausing his career. That search led him to the 52886WA Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation Engineering at the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT).

The program’s focus on real-world application, flexible delivery, and global relevance matched his aspirations perfectly.

Why EIT Was the Right Fit

Kachenjile’s path to EIT wasn’t straightforward. He first discovered the institute in 2018 while researching online engineering programs that could accommodate his demanding work schedule and family life.

Despite financial setbacks and a pause in his studies, he remained determined to pursue this opportunity.

“I knew EIT was the right place for me because of its practical approach,” he explains. “The curriculum is not just theory; it’s immediately applicable on the job.”

By 2022, Kachenjile had officially enrolled, and by May 2025, he had successfully completed the Advanced Diploma at EIT. He credits the institution’s commitment to industry-relevant education and flexibility as key reasons for his success.

The online format allowed him to study from Zambia while continuing full-time work in the mining sector, without compromising the quality of his education.

“The ability to study from anywhere while gaining practical skills that align with international standards; that’s what sets EIT apart.”

Overcoming Barriers with Determination and Discipline

Juggling 12-hour shifts, family life, and a demanding academic load wasn’t easy. Kachenjile worked from early morning until late evening, often missing live classes due to his schedule. He had to be strategic and highly disciplined to stay on track.

“There were days when I couldn’t attend a single class live,” he recalls. “But I set a strict schedule and stuck to it. I studied early in the morning or late at night when I could.”

The biggest challenge? Load-shedding in Zambia, where electricity could be available for only 3 hours out of 24. This, combined with internet instability and time zone differences, could have derailed his studies.

Instead, Kachenjile found workarounds: charging his devices during power windows, finding locations with backup electricity and reliable internet, and communicating openly with instructors and classmates.

“I was never alone,” he says. “The Learning Support Officer was incredibly helpful, and EIT’s systems made it easier to stay on track, even when the environment wasn’t ideal.”

Practical Tools Shaped Real Engineering Confidence

The practical elements of the Advanced Diploma, especially EIT’s remote labs, were a highlight of Kachenjile’s journey. From Zambia, he could log into real industrial software environments; tools that would normally be inaccessible outside of major labs or companies.

“The remote labs were a game-changer,” he says. “They gave me the confidence to take what I learned and apply it directly at work.”

One standout module for him was DPEFPE619 – Apply the Fundamentals of Professional Engineering Practice.

It wasn’t just about engineering knowledge; it taught him leadership, ethics, teamwork, and communication. A group project that brought together students from different countries helped him grow both professionally and personally.

“That experience broadened my thinking,” he reflects. “Collaborating with peers from different backgrounds challenged me and prepared me for the realities of global engineering teams.”

Vision For Impact and Continued Growth

With his Advanced Diploma in hand, Kachenjile is now focused on applying his skills directly to Zambia’s mining sector. At Lumwana Mining Company, he hopes to drive improvements in safety, automation, and process efficiency.

“I want to use what I’ve learned to reduce waste, improve safety, and help the company stay competitive,” he explains.

But his journey doesn’t end here. Kachenjile has his sights set on the EIT Bachelor of Science (Industrial Automation Engineering) degree, and eventually, becoming a recognized expert in the field. His long-term goal? To help modernize Zambia’s industrial infrastructure and bring global-level automation solutions to local industries.

To students across Zambia and beyond, his advice is clear:
“If you’re serious about engineering, EIT gives you everything you need, no matter where you are.”