PROFILING THE REMARKABLE - Dr Jay Soobramoney

Please give us a brief overview of your career to date.

Rather than continuing my studies at a postsecondary institution, I found work as a butchery helper shortly after finishing my scholastic years out of a need to support our family financially. Later, in search of greater prospects, I travelled to Secunda and found employment at Sasol 2 and qualified as a fitter and machinist. Returning to Durban, I embraced an opportunity to be trained in the instrumentation and process control field at Mondi Paper where I later progressed to function Distributed Control Systems Senior Technician. My academic career began when I was head-hunted by the Durban University of Technology to lecture in a specialized field. Finding gaps in engineering practical skills in the university’s academic curriculum, my colleague and I started TEKmation Training Institute (now, a Leading Skills Development Provider) in KZN.

Today, apart from being a director at the TEKmation Training Institute. Currently, I consult widely in the education and skills sector and contribute immensely to the education industry through participation in various activities in the sector.

Current Member of the following organisations:

• QCTO council; OQACC (Chairperson), QAOQC committee.

• SAIMC Education and Training Council

• DUT & MUT Advisory Boards

Your doctoral thesis is entitled: An Integrated Framework to Address the Work Integrated Learning Challenges Faced by Engineering Diploma Students at Select South African Universities of Technology

Inadequate placement opportunities prevent students from completing the Work-Integrated Learning component of their engineering-related qualification, delay graduation, and increase the need for technicians and engineers on the job market. The industrial technology and engineering sectors rely on highly skilled and trained technical staff to ensure high equipment and machinery uptime and maximum output. Lack of suitable placement opportunities for learners to complete the Work-Integrated Learning component of the engineering-related qualification, delaying graduation, and consequently increasing the labour market demand for technicians and engineers. For optimal productivity, the engineering and industrial technology industries depend on highly competent and qualified technical personnel to guarantee high uptime of engineering machinery and equipment.

The major contribution of this study is the development of an integrated conceptual framework to be used by WIL practitioners, Industry Mentors, and other stakeholders to effectively reduce WIL challenges and open access to industry. The study having examined the elements of various existing models recommended alternated WIL models to increase learner uptake.

In a few words, kindly describe your journey to completing your doctoral qualification. 

The journey was tough, demanding, yet fulfilling. Incredible negotiation skills to eventually complete this project despite numerous competing demands were required. The ultimate benefit is that the study's potential solutions could have a positive impact on all stakeholders involved in the WIL environment, especially the compromised learners. Unwavering support from my supervisor, the insightful and helpful DA Vinci seminars, and the unwavering support from my family all made a significant contribution to my will to endure and finish the journey. Analysing valuable data provided a better understanding of the issues facing the WIL sector, enabled me to propose potential solutions and recommend alternative WIL models. All in all, a unique and fulfilling experience.

What would you say your three greatest attributes or characteristics are as a person that aided you on your journey?

Resourcefulness - Throughout the research journey obstacles, hurdles and challenges presented themselves putting the brakes on the study progress, however, my resourceful nature powered me to find creative solutions to overcome challenges and continue again.

Innovative – During the course of the research, fresh concepts were added to my work. One of the thesis' main features was its innovative approach to presenting, arguing, and explaining any topic.

Perseverance -The intense workload frequently had a detrimental effect on my progress, but despite these obstacles, with a strong mind I maintained my commitment to persevere through the bad times and complete the project meeting all requirements.

How did your journey impact your way of thinking and (or) life?

 The impact of this journey positively touched various areas of my life. The study's objective stemmed from a desire to assist many learners who were negatively affected by a lack of opportunities for placement in suitable industries. Throughout this study, my self-motivation, tenacity, and patience to face frustrations, obstacles, and problems developed enormously. I was able to fulfill the high levels of expectations required to complete this project with dedication, focus, and passion.

Despite the undoubtedly complex undertaking, I acquired a variety of high-level skills in the following areas:

• Researching

• Collaboration

• Inter-personal communication

• Networking

• Organising, Planning and Time Management

• Critical Evaluations

• Problem-Solving

• Presentation of arguments

• Academic writing

• Adaptability

• Ethics

Completing an accepted, original scholarly work gave me a sense of accomplishment and self-satisfaction.

What is next for you on your path of thriving in remarkability?

To take some time to relax and recuperate, spend time with family, learn how to play the guitar, and go fishing. Maintain my growth and influence in the sphere of education and skill development, and practically implement the outputs I've drawn from my research whenever opportunities to do so present themselves.

If you could give advice to a student embarking on this journey, what would it be?

Students should collaborate closely with the supervisor since they will benefit greatly from the motivation and direction given. Make use of Da Vinci's fantastic support services, seminars, and workshops; there are so many advantages that you can only succeed. It becomes evidently clear that you are making good progress when you adhere to your study schedule religiously and with passion. You will enjoy the journey if you avoid burnout, maintain balance, and incorporate breaks into your study schedule. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve if you believe in yourself.