TH Machine Tools supplies metal shaping and forming equipment.

Kitso Ya Boleng (KYB) means “quality knowledge” in the language of Setswana and the founders of KYB Academy take the meaning of them literally in their quest to make a change in the quality of South African education offered in the North West Province.

Established in 2016 by a small group of people KYB Academy comprises of a technical college, a bridging programme, a graduate programme and a teacher’s training programme, that is headed up by CEO Tiaan Jooste.

The three programmes offered by KYB Academy are KYB TEPP (Tertiary Education Preparation Programme), KYB TECH (Technical Artisan Programme) and KYB GRAD (Graduate Support Services Programme).

KYB Academy has taken new steps in 2024 to further succeed in technical artisan training by launching its technical training facility in Potchefstroom. TH Machine Tools has supplied conventional lathes and mills

The academy’s vision is to break the cycle of benefit dependency and increase workplace efficiency by empowering students with quality education and training. Its mission revolves around professional growth, positive learning experiences, and preparing students for a myriad of career opportunities.

The academy’s key objectives include providing high-quality education, fostering innovation and research, promoting inclusivity, engaging with the community, integrating technology, and focusing on health and wellness.

Committed to preparing students for in-demand technical careers, KYB Tech aligns its courses with the National Scarce Skills List, ensuring a dynamic, research-driven learning environment. Structurally, KYB Tech is directed by management and supported by a team of senior training officers and specialised facilitators, ensuring a high standard of training and student support.

KYB Tech’s programme offerings are diverse, accommodating 360 students annually with growth potential. The programmes include automotive motor mechanic, boilermaker, diesel mechanic, electrician, fitter and turner, mechanic, millwright, transportation electrician, and welder. These programmes are designed to equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, preparing them for successful careers in the artisan trades. Additional programmes like the technical preparation bridging course, CNC operator and basic DIV modules further enhance the students’ skill sets.

KYB Academy has also purchased a CNC lathe from TH Machine Tools

The forming side of metalworking is covered with a CNC plasma cutter, a guillotine, a press brake and a plate rolling machine, all supplied by TH Machine Tools

Embedded in KYB Tech’s ethos are values such as respect, attitude, pride, health, honesty, love, gratitude, empathy, kindness, and growth. These values contribute to the holistic development of students, fostering a well-rounded educational experience. The fee structure of KYB Tech is comprehensive, catering to a wide range of financial capabilities, and the academy offers extensive student support, including mentoring, career preparation, psychosocial support, and progress monitoring.

New technical training facility
The KYB Academy has taken new steps in 2024 to further succeed in technical artisan training by launching its technical training facility in Potchefstroom.

This state-of-the-art training facility, located on the corner of R53 (Parys Road) and Modderdam Road, comprises nine accredited programmes for automotive motor mechanics, boilermakers, millwrights, diesel mechanics, electricians, fitters and turners, mechanical fitters, transportation electricians, and welders.

One of the main suppliers of the equipment was TH Machine Tools. Included in the equipment supplied was a CNC lathe, conventional lathes and mills, a CNC plasma cutter, a guillotine, a press brake, a plate rolling machine, some grinders and drilling machines and a bandsaw.

KYB Academy hosted an open day from 2 to 3 February with various stakeholders and prospective students participating in the interactive two days.

This state-of-the-art training facility, located on the corner of R53 (Parys Road) and Modderdam Road, comprises nine accredited programmes for automotive motor mechanics, boilermakers, millwrights, diesel mechanics, electricians, fitters and turners, mechanical fitters, transportation electricians, and welders

Students can learn their trade by operating the grinders and drilling machines that have been installed by TH Machine Tools

Current students and assessors showcased various fields to prospective students and provided course information during a practical tour of the new training facility. KYB Tech is a registered private TVET College and QCTO skills development provider with dedicated and qualified staff who are experts in their fields.

According to Tiaan Jooste, chief operating officer at Kitso Ya Boleng, the main goal of the technical training facility is to equip students with a quality education that empowers them with knowledge and
practical skills for the workplace.

“10 months of training is done on-site, where they utilise theoretical and practical components. Work-integrated learning then follows. The focus is to get students up to the standards of the industry. We want companies to know that when a job applicant has qualified via KYB, they are the number one choice,” elaborated Jooste.

For further details contact KYB Academy on TEL: 018 011 9581 or visit www.kybacademy.co.za