While Darryl Morrison is currently a Detail Draughtsman in the bulk materials handling industry, he has his eye on becoming a professional engineer.
I asked him what he did for Rula Bulk Materials Handling:
“We design and detail bulk material handling plants from concept to commissioning. I ensure that the designs I receive from the engineers are made into shop drawings so that the various workshops can fabricate the structural steelwork, machine mechanical components, process piping, and bend rebar.”
He mentioned that he loves seeing his drawings come to life on site.
Darryl’s first job was as a Production Plant Operator for Western Platinum Refinery (WPR). It was here that he learned about processing platinum group metals (PGMs) and acquired skills in control instrumentation.
He worked in the Primary Separations Department which installed its first plant that was 90% automated – this meant putting a lot of faith in the instruments on-site when working in the control room! During his time here he managed to study part time, earning his Engineering Draughting Diploma.
With this diploma he started with a civil and structural consultancy company named HBS AFRICA. Here Darryl learned about industrial structural steelwork and construction management.
He then moved on to one of the world’s leading engineering professional services firms, WSP. He worked as a draughtsman within the Industrial Division (specializing in electrical and mechanical engineering).
At WSP Mr Geoff Carter became Darryl’s mentor. He was able to explain how the disciplines of engineering plug into the WSP Industrial Division and at the same time Carter inspired him to pursue his ambition to become an engineer.
During his part-time work for IGEZI Electrical Contractors he became an accredited electrician and in a similar vein completed the Advanced Diploma in Electrical Engineering with the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT).
He is currently enrolled on a Bachelor of Science Degree (Electrical Engineering), also through EIT.
That other job
As a new father Darryl is reading Dad Book, by South African author Craig Wilkinson; he recommends it for anyone facing fatherhood.
With a child to consider and plan for Darryl reflected on what Secondary School Scholars/Young Adults should study in the future:
“I would highly recommend that young adults study towards a career in the STEM industry. I think a lot of youngsters tend to worry about the Mathematics component. Mathematics is only one portion of engineering. The STEM industry is a vast and rewarding industry. There will come a time when a new generation of youngsters comes through the ranks. I hope that I can transfer the knowledge which I have gained over the years to the next generation.”
Finally, Darryl summarizes that a combination of hands-on experience, good mentors and excellent qualifications (through institutions which facilitate life-long learning), make the possibilities endless.