As we approach the first anniversary of the official launch of the Next Engineers program in Johannesburg, we are excited to start the new year with more learners, more schools, and new activities! The Next Engineers program has grown immensely since its launch in 2022, reaching a total of 1,718 learners across the Johannesburg education districts.
On the 11th of February 2023, 118 hopeful learners sat for the selection test that took place at the University of the Witwatersrand, to work their way into the Engineering Academy program. Out of the 118, only 50 learners will be selected. The learners were taken through a basic Grade 9 test, written prompts that test their persistence, and a practical test. For the practical test, learners had to design a catapult that can successfully launch a ping pong ball at least 3m from the starting point.
Our first Cohort of learners also resumed their sessions for 2023, as Grade 11s! They started the year with College and Career Readiness activities such as Building a Personal Brand and Creating a CV or Resume. They will be participating in exhilarating Design Challenges this year, including Clean Streams, which is a water purification project.
Starting the year on a high like this can only mean a thrilling year ahead. We are excited to resume this journey leading learners to a future filled with learning, innovation, and teamwork!
