• April 20, 2018

Starlite-trained, Transnet Apprentices Excel

11 May 2016

Press Release: Two of the three Transnet Aircraft Mechanic apprentices trained by Starlite Maintenance Durban have successfully completed their trade tests. Apprentices Sifiso Lugagu and Vusimuzi Zondi have been in the Company’s apprentice programme since 2013 and are now qualified Aircraft Maintenance Mechanics. Their next challenge will be to become licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers.

During the first year of their apprenticeship, the students spent 37 weeks at Denel Training Academy where they were introduced to maintenance workshop practises.

The balance of their training was spent at Starlite Aviation’s Maintenance facilities in Durban, Mossel Bay and Johannesburg, where the they gained valuable practical experience through onjob training.

After one month of trade test preparations at Denel, written and practical tests were conducted which included; servicing of ignition systems, practical hydraulics, an adjustment of a control system, basic hand skills, fault tracing, the use of measuring instruments and aircraft maintenance theory.

In an interview, Emmanuel Mhungu, Starlite’s Chief Engineer and acting Accountable Manager, who heads the apprentice training programme, commended all staff involved in this success story. “They will carry our Starlite name wherever they are which is a wonderful accolade for our Company,” said Emmanuel.

The third apprentice, soon to be put to the test is Sbusiso Makhanya. “We have every confidence that he will do Starlite and in turn Transnet proud,” stated Mhungu. He went on to say, that Transnet can be assured, that the standard of training supplied by Starlite is in his words, “The most superior training in South Africa and is on a par with any AME Training programme globally.”