Vezokuhle Ncube

Meet Vezokuhle Ncube, a driven engineering student from Kenilworth in the south of Johannesburg, South Africa and discover how his journey from skepticism to success is shaping his career and contributing to the future of sustainable technology.

A Leap of Faith into Online Education

Vezokuhle’s journey with the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) began in 2015, when he first discovered the opportunity to study online. At that time, he was unsure if an online platform could offer the practical education he needed to succeed in industrial automation.

“I really doubted they could deliver such powerful practical lessons because back then, online education wasn’t as familiar,” he recalled.

Despite his initial doubts, he chose to take a leap of faith and enrolled in the 52708WA Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation.

Financially, it was a challenging decision as Vezokuhle didn’t have the necessary funds to pay for his tuition. “I took out a bank loan to pay for my tuition,” he shared.

This decision required great commitment and dedication to his studies. As Vezokuhle progressed through the program, he began to realize the value of the Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation and how it would help propel his career forward.

Looking back, Vezokuhle recalls an interview he had prior to starting his studies at EIT, where he was asked to interpret a P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagram). At that time, he couldn’t recognize any of the parameters.

“I couldn’t even identify a single parameter. But after studying at EIT, I can easily interpret it now, and it’s amazing how something so simple was once such a blank space for me.”

This transformation in his understanding was a pivotal moment in his career.

Balancing Studies, Work, and Family Life

Vezokuhle faced the challenge of balancing full-time work, his studies and his family life. Online learning allowed him to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

“Online learning gave me the opportunity to continue with my activities without compromising my quality of life as a family man,” he explained.

The flexibility of the online platform allowed him to manage both work and studies, while still being present for his family.

He also believes that his education at EIT set a great example for his children, instilling in them the importance of learning and dedication. “My children observe me juggling between work and studies, and I believe it instilled in them a progressive learning attitude,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Vezokuhle found that by making use of any free time during work breaks, he could continue his studies without waiting for perfect conditions. This dedication allowed him to stay on top of his coursework despite the pressures of his schedule.

Gaining Practical Skills and Applying Them in the Workplace

The hands-on skills that Vezokuhle gained during his studies in the Advanced Diploma of Industrial Automation have been invaluable in his professional life. He learned key components such as SCADA and PLC systems, but it was the Code of Ethics that he found most transformative.

“The Code of Ethics at the workplace was the most outstanding lesson for me.”

Before his studies, he had been reserved and focused mainly on his own work. However, his studies helped him appreciate the well-being of others, and he began to view business challenges from a more global and environmental perspective.

Collaborating with fellow students from different backgrounds also broadened his understanding of diverse work cultures. “Working with other students has groomed me to appreciate and embrace different cultures and characters in the field of work.”

The virtual labs and practical assignments at EIT played a significant role in helping him bridge the gap between theory and real-world applications.

“The virtual labs provided real-world simulations and software, allowing me to interact with industry-specific tools. This made it easier for me to use similar software at my workplace,” he explained.

These practical experiences not only reinforced his learning but also gave him the confidence to apply the tools and systems he had studied.

In his current role, Vezokuhle has been able to use the knowledge gained from his studies to work on various projects. One notable project was designing an automated system for the meat production floor. This system integrates embedded technologies to speed up processes and improve overall efficiency.

“I have also penned down some future innovations for automating agricultural production, as I believe sustainable farming is the way forward to preserve the planet for future generations,” he added.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Industrial Automation

Looking to the future, Vezokuhle is excited about the potential of industrial automation to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. “We are heading toward a future where knowledge of technology will be an inevitable survival skill.”

He highlights how technology can address climate change, resource depletion, and create sustainable solutions for agriculture and the environment.

Reflecting on the advancements in technology that he has seen in rural areas, Vezokuhle points to the use of photovoltaic cells to electrify homes and provide water from underground sources, which has significantly improved the quality of life in remote areas.

“Technology has turned rural areas into lifestyle havens, with people being able to do farming regardless of weather changes.”

He envisions more widespread automation and technological innovations in industrial settings, specifically in the agricultural sector. Vezokuhle believes automation will play a key role in creating a more sustainable future.

“Simple technologies like photovoltaic cells have revolutionized the way people live in rural areas. I see similar advancements being applied in industrial automation to solve problems in agriculture and production.”

Vezokuhle plans to continue his education by pursuing a Master’s in industrial automation and an MBA to better understand business management.

“My goal is to be a seasoned entrepreneur who can use my knowledge of industrial automation to solve global challenges.”

His experience at EIT has been a pivotal stepping stone toward this future, providing him with the practical knowledge and industry-relevant education he needs to achieve his aspirations.

As he continues to build on his knowledge, Vezokuhle is excited about the potential of industrial automation to address global challenges and improve lives across industries. His story is an inspiring reminder that education, innovation, and a willingness to adapt to change are key drivers in shaping a better tomorrow.