At GammaTec, we believe that the future of engineering relies on nurturing young talent and closing the gap between university textbooks and real-world industrial application. On 28 May 2026, we had the absolute pleasure of welcoming a vibrant group of students from the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) to our premises in Vereeniging.
Accompanied by VUT lecturer Ms Masego Lepule and representing the Metallurgical Engineering Students Society (METESSO), the students stepped beyond the classroom to gain firsthand exposure to the fast-paced world of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).
The students experienced a range of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) methods in action, including Magnetic Particle Inspection, Ultrasonic Testing, Drone and Robotics applications, Radiographic Testing (DR and CR), and Hardness Testing. While many had already studied the NDT component within their Manufacturing Metallurgy module, witnessing these advanced technologies in an industrial setting brought the theory into practical focus. From hardness evaluation to material penetration techniques, the visit highlighted the essential role of NDT in maintaining the quality, safety, and reliability of modern engineering structures.
What the Students Had to Say
The enthusiasm on the day was infectious. During the visit, we caught up with a few of the students to hear about their highlights:
Tlhologelo Glen Mopane (METESSO Chairperson): “We are really warmly welcome here at GammaTec today. And we really had such a nice experience moving around this place. There is a lot that we have learned today, and we are very much grateful to experience all that.”
Nandipha Salemani (VUT Student): “What I found the most interesting was everything actually! But my most favourite one was the metal penetration one that Oom Phil done. He made it so interesting for me. I think it was very fun.”
Testing Their Knowledge (With Prizes!)
It wasn’t all just observation, though. To make sure the concepts really stuck, we put the students to the test with a series of quick-fire NDT quizzes based on what they had learned throughout the day. The competition was fierce, the answers were sharp, and several lucky students walked away with some fantastic prizes for their efforts!
Empowering a Diverse Future
Our Sales & Product Specialist, Julie van der Merwe, noted how “Many students approach us seeking exposure to the NDT industry, so it was a pleasure to host METESSO. It is incredibly encouraging to see the students showing a strong interest in hardness testing and emerging techniques. Seeing a significant number of female students participating and demonstrating such a keen interest reflects the wonderful growing diversity within engineering and metallurgy.”
Ms Masego Lepule emphasised that interactions like these build immense confidence and motivation, helping VUT prepare competent, industry-ready graduates.
For us at GammaTec, the day was a powerful reminder of why we stay committed to skills development and academic collaboration. Thank you to VUT and METESSO for visiting us, the future of metallurgy is looking incredibly bright!