Davan Hoorn, an FET student training to be a fitter and turner at the SKA SA site at Losberg, passed his trade test to qualify recently.

He is currently studying on a SKA SA bursary in the final phase of his artisan training, which involves working in industry for a period of 18 to 24 months. This is part of the SKA SA Human Capital Development Programme.

Davan has experience in several fields. He has worked in engineering and electrical installations and joined SKA six years ago as part of a subcontractor’s team. “I did not have a formal qualification though, and the artisan programme at SKA SA gave me the opportunity to qualify. It is every young person’s goal to get certified at some stage in their life,” said Davan.

His involvement with SKA SA spans several areas since 2011: as part of the subcontractor’s team, even before a single telescope had been erected, he assisted with installing electrical cables to the telescopes, and later he received training in welding, followed by two years working on site. In 2014 he started the artisan course to qualify in fitting and turning.

He grew up in Atlantis on the West Coast and decided to settle in Carnarvon after visiting his two brothers in the town a few years ago and learning more about the opportunities available with SKA SA.

“I would like to use this qualification as a springboard to my dream of becoming a mechanical engineer. I have learnt a lot with regards to fitting and turning since joining the team on site. We learn how to assemble the antennas and acquire new skills that can help further on in life,” says Davan.

Congratulations!