This excited group of college students has been polishing their Mandarin as they prepared to spend a year in China.
The nine Northlink College students have jetted off to the Far East as part of a scholarship programme that will equip them with the necessary skills and experience to better their chance of being employed in the future.
They are part of a group of 200 South African students who are being sent abroad, thanks to a collaboration between trade partners South Africa and China.
The students, from Wingfield and Bellville campuses, will do six months of theoretical training at Beijing Union University, followed by six months of practical experience in the Mechanical Engineering field.
Trish van der Merwe, Northlink College Deputy Principal for Innovation and Development, explains: “The college is excited to be able to have such great international partnerships that will not only benefit the college but the students themselves.
“With this support, these nine students will be able to grow their skills set and become more employable within the trades and industries of which they are part.”
The nine students are Vuyokazi Thukani, Yolokazi Xinzelele, Nondumiso Mtshali, Zizipho Nkonki, Shanise Jacobs, Shane Appollis, Keanu van Rooi, Damon van der Spuy and Kevin Hamman.
An excited Damon says: “I grew up with a mother and father who have done a lot for me. With my parents being taxi drivers they ensured that we always had enough.
“With this opportunity I would like to show my appreciation for what my parents did for me and their support during my studies to become [more] employable and, therefore, give back to my parents.”