At Drotsky, empowering the next generation is more than a responsibility; it is a calling deeply rooted in the company’s culture. No one understands this better than Izak Wolfaardt, who once walked the same path as the students he now mentors.

Starting his own career as an apprentice at Drotsky, Izak has grown into a key member of the company’s management team and now leads the very programme that helped shape his future.

“I know exactly what it feels like to be a student stepping into the workplace for the first time,” he says. “That’s why I am so passionate about creating the same opportunities for others that were once given to me.”

For the past seven years, the Drotsky Student Programme has become a cornerstone of the company’s commitment to youth development. Due to this initiative, students from various colleges get the opportunity to complete practical workplace training for periods of up to 18 months, depending on their trade and apprenticeship requirements.

According to Izak, the magic lies not in theory, but in experience. “We at Drotsky understand the importance of working with your hands; it’s a skill no technology or AI can ever replace,” he says. “Our goal is to enrich each student’s life with real experience, real knowledge, and real confidence in their trade.”

Izak Wolfaardt, who began his career as an apprentice at Drotsky, is now a key member of the company’s management team.

As a host company, Drotsky receives no funding from any SETA or government structure. Every hour, every resource, and every lesson invested in the students is done voluntarily and wholeheartedly.

“We don’t do it for the money. All we receive are grateful hearts returning to say thank you,” Izak explains. “That gratitude and seeing how their careers flourish is what keeps this programme so meaningful for us.”

During their time at Drotsky, students are introduced to the full reality of a working environment:

• Workplace operations
• Responsibilities and expectations
• Do’s and don’ts
• The discipline required to succeed
• The technical skills that set them apart in their trade

“Before they even start their first job, these students already have a foundation that many young people don’t get the chance to build,” Izak says. “It gives them a huge advantage; one they carry with them for the rest of their lives.”

Students share their journey of growth at Drotsky

The impact of the Drotsky Student Programme is best reflected in the voices of the young people currently living the experience. Among them is Sharon Kamanga from the Ekurhuleni West College, who joined the programme in August 2025. Sharon has immersed herself in welding, lathe work, and on the bending press machine, developing a passion for hands-on learning that grows stronger every day.

“At Drotsky, we are exposed to so many opportunities,” she explains. “Every day I wake up excited because I know I’m going to learn something different and new.”

She proudly adds that she is now considered one of the best operators on the bending press machine. “It’s not like other companies. Drotsky really goes out of their way to give us a real chance. They believe in me, and that means a lot.”

While Sharon dreams of staying with Drotsky in the future, she also understands the importance of broadening her experience as she builds her career. “I would love to stay here, but I also know that as a young person, you need exposure to different environments. Still, Drotsky will always be special to me.”

Another student thriving in the programme is Ntokozo Skosana, a fitting apprentice from Sigma who joined Drotsky in May 2025 to complete her on-the-job training. Her days are filled with hands-on tasks ranging from drilling sprockets and rollers to countersinking and assembling hammer mills.

“Working here is very interesting because we learn new skills every single day,” she says. “Recently, I even learned how to operate the pedestal drilling machine.”

For Ntokozo, the programme’s value lies not only in the technical knowledge it provides, but also in the confidence it has given her. “By now, I know how to hold a spanner, how to use a ratchet, and how to identify all my hand tools. The team here is positive, patient, and incredibly educational. I’m here because of them.”

From student to skilled professional: Arnold’s success story

One of the shining examples of the programme’s long-term impact is Arnold Nashikalane, who once entered Drotsky as a student and today proudly stands as a full-time employee operating some of the most advanced and technical machines in the factory. His journey reflects exactly what Drotsky aims to achieve through its commitment to youth development.

“If I didn’t do my apprenticeship through Drotsky, I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be where I am today,” Arnold says confidently. “Drotsky has given me the chance to grow not only personally, but also to strengthen and expand my skillset.”

For Arnold, the programme was far more than just workplace exposure; it was a gateway to a meaningful career doing what he loves.

“Drotsky enabled me to pursue my career and to do what I’m passionate about,” he adds. “I would recommend any student to join this programme and become part of the Drotsky team.”

Arnold’s story is a powerful testament to how Drotsky’s investment in young apprentices continues to shape skilled, confident professionals who significantly contribute  to the company’s excellence.

Drotsky’s doors are always open, and the company remains committed to supporting colleges, encouraging SETAs, and uplifting the youth through hands-on training. Izak notes that the enthusiasm and growth he sees in each young participant is what energises the Drotsky team to keep going.

“We truly enjoy seeing young, upcoming stars building towards their future,” he adds. “We encourage every institution involved to keep this programme running. It changes lives.”

With warm hearts and open hands, Drotsky continues to welcome new students, guiding them, teaching them, and equipping them to build careers that matter.