GE Vernova and PROTEC Celebrate Graduation of Next Engineers: Engineering Academy class. 43 learners graduate from program designed to inspire the next generation of engineers Johannesburg, South Africa  – October 9, 2025 – Next Engineers, a global college- and career-readiness programme working to increase the opportunities for young people in engineering, celebrated the graduation of 43 learners from the Engineering Academy in Johannesburg, South Africa. The graduation ceremony, held at The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, marked the programme’s second graduating class and highlights its contribution towards bridging the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills gap in the country through exposing learners to hands-on engineering experiences and career pathways.

The stakeholders in the Next Engineers programme

Seated on stage were (from left to right): Reggie Miller, Deputy Minister Nomalungel Gina (DSI), Antony Hlungwane, Prof Thokozani Majozi (Dean of School of Engineering -Wits), DDG Denis Macuacua (GDE)

The 43 learners, representing 15 high schools across Johannesburg, were joined by their families to celebrate their achievements. Many of these learners plan to pursue engineering-related qualification at universities and technical institutions. Launched in 2022, PROTEC, University of Witwatersrand, and Kutitiva Foundation are the educational partners for the local Next Engineers programme. GE Vernova engineers and employees play an active role by engaging with Engineering Academy participants through hands-on, skill-based volunteering. In the 2024 calendar year, its Johannesburg-based employees donated over 680 hours to these efforts.

“We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of this year’s graduates and commend their dedication to pursuing careers in engineering,” said Matsi Eseu, South Africa HR Director for GE Vernova. “Supporting young talent through programmes like Next Engineers is central to GE Vernova’s mission. In Johannesburg, we see first-hand how these opportunities empower students to unlock their potential and contribute to solving real-world challenges. We are honored to play a role in shaping a more dynamic future for engineering in South Africa.”

Students assembled to celebrate the graduation of the Class of 2025 Next Engineers

Reggie Miller (GE) and Prof Rodney Genga congratulating a student

Learners who complete the Engineering Academy program and enroll in a qualified engineering or engineering-related degree programme receive financial aid to support them as they continue on their paths to becoming engineers. To date, the Next Engineers programme in Johannesburg has reached nearly 4,100 learners and awarded $36,000 in scholarships to qualifying graduates. In addition, locally, GE Vernova awarded an additional $83,000 in scholarships to ten graduates through the country’s External Bursary Programme.

Matsiliso Eseu (GE) presenting students with their graduation certificates

Students accepting their certificates

Next Engineers students awaiting the presentation of their certificates

“We’re proud to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s Engineering Academy graduates. Their drive and curiosity exemplify the promise of South Africa’s next generation of engineers,” said Balan Moodley, CEO of PROTEC. “We are grateful to GE Vernova for their vision and commitment in making this program possible. Together, we have helped deliver opportunities that have contributed to empowering young minds.”

Next Engineers students proudly cheering for their peers

One of the projects completed by the students

One of the projects completed by the students

STEM training and education, such as Next Engineers, is helping to solve global challenges while also lifting up communities through economic opportunities. GE Vernova’s commitment to nurturing future STEM talent in South Africa extends beyond Next Engineers: through its External Bursary Programme, the company has provided comprehensive bursaries totaling $7.3 million (R128.5 million) to more than 900 beneficiaries pursuing Bachelor’s degrees in Science, Commerce, and Arts since 2020 to date. These bursaries help alleviate the financial burden for tertiary students, covering tuition, accommodation, textbooks, and monthly stipends for the duration of their studies. For more information about Next Engineers and the Engineering Academy, visit NextEngineers.org.

One of the projects completed by the students

The stakeholders in the Next Engineers programme

The 2025 cohort of Next Engineers graduates: 43 learners, representing 15 high schools across Johannesburg