Schneider Electric, the world’s most sustainable company and leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation has, in partnership with the Technical, Entrepreneurial and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TEVETA) in Malawi and Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute in Malawi, unveiled the Schneider Electric Lab.
Officially launched at the Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute facilities in Lilongwe, the Schneider Electric Lab is a modern, electrical installation laboratory, aimed at providing practical training for those pursuing careers in the electrical industry.
Schneider Electric has a longstanding partnership with Don Bosco, which under the auspices of the Schneider Electric Foundation, also forms part of the French Southern African Schneider Electric Education Centre (F’SASEC) network that includes South African tertiary education providers such as the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Vaal University of Technology (VUT), Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), Sedibeng TVET College, College of Cape Town (CCT), Eastcape Midlands College (EMC), Ukufunda Youth Development and Don Bosco in Mozambique.
Speaking at the official unveiling of the Schneider Electric Lab, Patrick Mputeni, Director of Quality Assurance at the TEVETA Malawi, lauded the lab as a step toward aligning education with industry needs.
“The skills and knowledge gained here will not only open doors for students but also contribute to the growth and development of Malawi. This lab equips students with critical problem-solving abilities, creativity, and technical know-how necessary to thrive in the evolving electrical industry,” he remarked.
Precious Chilupsya, Vice Principal of Don Bosco Youth Technical Institute added: “I encourage industry experts to utilise this important resource by sending workers for training on the advanced technologies we now house. Partner with us to ensure we deliver graduates who are ready to meet industry demands.”
A student at the institute, Irene Chimgoga, highlighted the personal impact of the lab: “The donation will help us gain confidence as we now have hands-on experience to complement our theoretical knowledge.”
The lab is equipped with professional Schneider Electric equipment, providing students with the tools and training required to meet global standards in the electrical industry. These include:
- Industrial Wiring Solutions.
- Industrial Automation Solutions.
The set of the equipment include:
- 24V PLC Programming & Simulation Desktop Trainers
- Three Phase Variable Speed/Frequency Drive Training Panels
- Combination of Motor Starter Trainer Kits
- Various types of motors
“The Schneider Electric lab offers real-world, practical scenarios and problem-solving opportunities invaluable for careers in the electrical industry. The facility meets global standards, setting students on a path to success in this ever-evolving field,” says Carina van Zyl, Corporate Citizenship Leader for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric.
The Schneider Electric Lab forms part of Schneider Electric’s broader commitment to empowering the next generation through education, as outlined in its Schneider Sustainability Impact (SSI) programme that aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), aiming to train and empower one million people by 2025.
