Reinhardt Van Der Merwe

Reinhardt Van Der Merwe, currently completing the 52873WA Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering through EIT, reflects on his journey in balancing work, study, and the evolving engineering landscape in South Africa.

Civil and structural engineering

Reinhardt Van Der Merwe’s journey in civil and structural engineering has been defined by both experience and learning. With a decade of industry experience under his belt, Reinhardt found that advancing his knowledge was essential to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving field.

His decision to pursue the 52873WA Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering through the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) was motivated by a desire to further refine his skills, stay updated on industry standards, and position himself for the challenges ahead in South Africa’s civil engineering landscape.

Reinhardt’s approach to learning has always been proactive. He discovered that while practical experience is invaluable, ongoing education plays a critical role in understanding the latest trends and methodologies that shape the industry.

In this article, Reinhardt opens up about his experience with online learning at EIT, the challenges and opportunities facing the civil engineering sector in South Africa, and his vision for the future of the field.

The Power of Online Learning: Flexibility and Global Exposure

Reinhardt’s decision to pursue an online advanced diploma was grounded in practicality. With his career already established in South Africa, Reinhardt needed a learning format that would accommodate his work schedule.

EIT’s online platform provided the flexibility he required while still offering the depth and quality of education he sought.

He said the online classes for the 52873WA Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering, with lecturers from all over the world, have really broadened his understanding of engineering.

“Seeing examples of different buildings, requirements, and challenges has made me re-look at my own field. Even though I’ve been in the industry for ten years, I feel like I wasn’t fully aware of the evolution in engineering until I started this course. Now, I’m constantly checking for updates on materials, practices, and standards—everything to do with global engineering.”

One of the most valuable aspects of the online learning format, Reinhardt noted, is the ability to tailor his study schedule around his professional responsibilities.

“The access to two class times helped me balance my work commitments. I could attend the afternoon class if I had morning meetings or client visits. The flexibility in class scheduling really supported my learning process.”

He also highlighted the access to international standards and methods as an eye-opening aspect of the course. “Seeing the level of detail that has been painstakingly combined with years of industry knowledge, particularly the Australian-specific standards, was truly inspiring.”

Challenges in South Africa’s Civil Engineering Sector

Civil and structural engineering in South Africa faces several unique challenges that Reinhardt has firsthand experience with. While South Africa’s aging infrastructure presents opportunities for development, there is also an inherent sense of uncertainty in the country’s political and economic landscape.

“Uncertainty is always a big challenge in South Africa. With constant changes coming from the ruling party, we can’t always be sure that the national budget will support new projects. Currently, there’s also a growing expectation that draughts men should take on responsibilities beyond just drafting; they are now expected to be accountable for their designs. This shift requires further education and experience.”

For Reinhardt, this change has highlighted the importance of continued professional development.

“With funds for projects being constrained, engineers need to design projects precisely within budget while maintaining safety and compliance. This requires an in-depth understanding of systems and calculations to optimize equipment and resources as much as possible.”

Despite these challenges, Reinhardt remains optimistic about the future. He believes that with strategic and efficient designs, civil engineering professionals can help South Africa overcome its infrastructure problems, even in a strained economic environment.

Balancing Work, Study, and Life

Managing the demands of work, study, and personal life can be a daunting task, especially in an online learning environment. Reinhardt admits that finding balance wasn’t always easy, but with effective time management and a strong support network, he was able to navigate the challenges.

He said it’s definitely been a juggling act to balance work, studies, and social life.

“Some weeks, work and studies took priority over everything else. I made sure to stay organized and submitted my quizzes and assignments well before the due dates. With my job requiring sudden overtime or travel, I needed to tackle my coursework over weekends and evenings.”

Thankfully, he has a great support structure at home, and his friends understood that he might miss a social event here and there.

Reinhardt stressed that accountability is key to success in online learning.

“You have to be strict with yourself. Set your own deadlines and stick to them. Make sure to attend every class and absorb as much information as you can. The studies may not last forever, but putting in the effort to make sure you pass is essential.”

The Future of Civil and Structural Engineering in South Africa

Looking ahead, Reinhardt is optimistic about the role that civil and structural engineers will play in shaping the future of South Africa. As the country’s population continues to grow and its infrastructure ages, there will be an increasing demand for innovative solutions in transportation, housing, and sustainable development.

He expressed concern that the country’s aging infrastructure and growing population will require faster building methods.

“We’ll need to develop new transportation routes and more housing projects to accommodate the rising demand. Sustainable transport solutions will also need to be explored to help alleviate the issues surrounding fuel costs,” he said.

Reinhardt hopes to contribute to this transformation by developing efficient design methodologies and sharing his knowledge with others in the industry.

“As a rental company, staying relevant in my field is vital. I hope to lead by example and provide designs that others can learn from, ensuring that the work is completed correctly, efficiently, and safely.”

Key Advice for Aspiring Engineers

As someone who is both experienced and continuously advancing his education, Reinhardt has valuable advice for aspiring civil and structural engineers.

“Always keep learning and never let your skills stagnate. Be inquisitive and approach problems from every possible angle. The more you practice and expand your knowledge, the better equipped you’ll be to tackle any challenges that come your way.”

He emphasized the importance of building strong relationships within the industry.

“Become the go-to person in your team for questions regarding civil and structural engineering. It will help you network, establish credibility, and prove that you are a valuable asset to your company.”

Reinhardt Van Der Merwe’s educational and career trajectory is a testament to the power of combining experience with education.

As South Africa’s civil and structural engineering landscape continues to evolve, professionals like himself will play an essential role in shaping the country’s infrastructure and engineering practices. His commitment to staying informed, continuously learning, and improving the industry will undoubtedly have a lasting impact.