A Dell South Africa donation of five OptiPlex desktops has enhanced the teaching capability of a local training centre. The African Academy of Computer Assisted Engineering is a non-profit trust that specialises in the training of computer-assisted engineering to previously disadvantaged students in the Gauteng area.
Given the technical nature of its curriculum, the academy is reliant on the sponsorships and donations of companies and individuals to purchase the required equipment.
"The centre was started by Bateman to address the severe shortage of skills in the area of computer-assisted engineering. It was decided that previously disadvantaged students should be the main beneficiaries. Since then we have had substantial donations from parties such as the Japanese government, local engineering companies and currently Dell, as our sole hardware donor," says Sue Peiser-Oxborrow, trustee of the African Academy.
She adds that the academy`s curriculum is based on industry needs, thus enhancing the placement chances of their students. "Market demands are what determines our courses, we take notice of the areas of need in the field of engineering and adapt our curriculum to cover those needs - provided it falls within our area of expertise. That is why we have maintained a high placement rate since 1994.
"We need to be in a position to utilise state of the art computers, in order to make use of the latest software releases of Computer Assisted Draughting to keep our training competitive and our graduates well prepared for the world of work. Dell has shown vision in donating these computers to the academy," continues Peiser-Oxborrow.
Leigh Hancock, product-marketing manager at Dell SA, says Dell`s OptiPlex line is designed for demanding networked environments, large or small. "Dell performs extensive reliability and compatibility tests to help ensure smooth interoperability with industry-standard software and hardware - all of which were key concerns for the African Academy of Computer Assisted Engineering."
He adds that education is a central focus for Dell. "The development of local communities into a long-term workforce is what impressed us about the academy. The training centre not only serves the community, but also the market, thus ensuring the sustained growth of both."
The academy has strict selection criteria, allowing only students whose parents have a joint monthly income of R4 000 or less. Science and Mathematics to matric level are also prerequisites. "Once we are satisfied that they meet the basic criteria, they are subjected to Potential Battery Index tests designed by Bateman to determine potential and technical ability," notes Peiser-Oxborrow. "In this way we ensure that we have a low drop-out rate and that quality students move into the market."
Since its inception in 1994, this facility has trained 260 matriculants in computer-assisted engineering and also placed them in relevant jobs. Adds Peiser-Oxborrow: "Plans are afoot to start a similar training centre in Port Elizabeth to cater for the COEGA development."
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