Blending Tech & Teaching: GRS Welcomes Future Engineers from Central Technical College!

Global Roofing Solutions was honoured to host Central Technical College (CTC) on the 12th of October 2023 at our headquarters in Isando, Kempton Park. CTC is renowned for its excellence in career-focused tertiary education programs that equip students for successful careers in the teaching profession using modern methodologies, current knowledge, and best practices.

The objective of CTC's visit to GRS was twofold: to impart students with both theoretical knowledge and the practical skills imperative for their future roles as engineers. The primary goal of GRS's visit can be succinctly summarised as:

"Education – Exposure – Experience."

Central Technical College's commitment to quality, career-focused tertiary education programs is particularly pertinent in today's competitive job market. Such programs serve as a bridge between academia and industry, equipping students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to excel in their chosen careers. This aligns perfectly with GRS's mission to prepare future engineers and industry professionals, sharing our extensive knowledge and experience with the next generation.

During the visit, GRS delivered an engaging presentation that comprehensively covered various facets of our organisation. This included our Product Range, New Innovations, Materials, Substrates, Brands, Permanent Formwork, Helm Manufacturing Ingenuity, GRS Mobility, GRS Footprint in South Africa and African solutions, Technical Services, GRS's new website, Spec Wizard 3.0, and the introduction of TITAN, the innovative AI Chatbot now seamlessly integrated into the GRS website. This represents GRS's commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation and enhancing customer engagement and support.

Following the presentation, the students had the opportunity to tour the GRS factory, where they witnessed the manufacturing process of different profiles. This firsthand experience left a profound impact on the students.

The visit also included a stop at GRS's in-house testing facility, where a test bed was set up with purlin spacings and the latest technology in concealed fix range, the 4th generation Klip-Tite™ profile. Launched in 2013, this profile has rolled and sold over 4 million square meters and incorporates transverse stiffener ribs in the pan, representing the latest technology in the South African roofing industry. This new generation profile offers exceptional wind uplift resistance compared to any other concealed fix sheeting in South Africa, with independent tests showing a characteristic resistance to unclipping of 3.9 kPa. The most common reason for failure during windstorms is when the sheet disengages from the clip. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that the holding-down capacity of the roof sheet matches that of the clip. Transverse stiffeners in the sheet's pan act as beams to limit deflection and keep the sheet engaged to the clip. During the test, the sheet's failure, or resistance to unclipping only occurred at approximately 9 kPa.

A brief visit to the GRS Drawing Office left everyone filled with excitement. The students and lecturers were able to witness the extensive design and architectural expertise of the GRS team, which assists specifiers in making product choices and offers technical advice. The GRS team showcased various roof designs and explained how material-cutting lists are generated.

In today's environmentally conscious world, it's noteworthy that GRS is increasingly focusing on sustainability and environmental responsibility. Many companies in the construction industry are adopting eco-friendly materials and practices. GRS's dedication to sustainability can provide a holistic view of its operations and initiatives aimed at a greener future.

The visit by CTC students exemplifies collaborative learning, where educational institutions join forces with industry leaders to provide students with real-world exposure. Such interactions bridge the gap between classroom learning and practical application, offering students valuable insights into their future careers.

This visit isn't just a one-time event; it often marks the beginning of long-term partnerships between educational institutions and industry. These collaborations can lead to internships, research projects, and ongoing educational support for students. It is a stepping stone to the promising career opportunities that await these students in the engineering and construction fields.

The visit concluded with an incredibly successful and thrilling day for all CTC students and lecturers. Their enthusiasm was palpable as they eagerly anticipated trying out TITAN, the new AI Chatbot integrated into the GRS website, and exploring our dynamic social media presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and the GRS YouTube portal.

In closing, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Central Technical College for their visit and the invaluable time they invested in experiencing the depth of Global Roofing Solutions and the opportunities it presents to their students and the broader academic community. This visit represents the beginning of a meaningful and ongoing collaboration that benefits all parties involved.