As technology continues to transform mining, manufacturing and engineering, ensuring South Africa has the engineering and technical capability to support future industrial growth has become a shared responsibility. Recognising the importance of stronger collaboration between industry and education, Electra Mining Africa will introduce the new SAIMechE Skills and Career Hub when the exhibition takes place from 7-11 September at the Johannesburg Expo Centre in Nasrec.

The SAIMechE Skills and Career Hub has been created as a dedicated platform where industry professionals can engage directly with universities, higher education institutions and training providers, fostering meaningful conversations around the knowledge, capabilities and collaboration needed to support South Africa's industrial future. 

The initiative is designed to encourage dialogue between industry and the education and training sector on topics such as future skills and education requirements, applied research, and innovation. It provides a valuable opportunity for organisations to share insights, explore common challenges and identify practical ways to work together. For industry, these conversations can open doors to specialist laboratories, research expertise and collaborative projects, creating opportunities for partnerships that deliver practical value for both industry and education while supporting innovation and addressing real-world industrial challenges.

Developed through a collaboration between Electra Mining Africa and the SA Institution of Mechanical Engineering (SAIMechE), the Skills Hub reinforces Electra Mining Africa’s role as a meeting place where industry leaders, technology suppliers and other key stakeholders meet to share knowledge, explore opportunities and build meaningful business connections.

Visitors to the SAIMechE Skills and Career Hub will have the opportunity to engage with representatives from the School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Aeronautical Engineering (MIA) Wits University; Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology (EBIT) University of Pretoria; Tshwane University of Technology Engineering and the Built Environment; Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT); Engineering College of Science and Technology (ECST); Enterprises University of Pretoria; Central University of Technology Mechanical Engineering Department and CRPM (3D Printing); Emeris; Department of Mechanical Engineering University of Cape Town; University of Johannesburg; and the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA). Each will be contributing their own perspectives on skills and education, research, innovation and industry collaboration. Together, they share a commitment to strengthening collaboration with industry, advancing engineering and technical education, and supporting innovation through research, knowledge exchange and practical partnerships.

Visit the SAIMechE Skills and Career Hub located between Halls 2 and 3 at the Johannesburg Expo Centre.