Top Performing Berea Technical College mechanical engineering student, Alisha Harilal achieves 100% distinctions and attributes her success to the hard work and commitment of her lecturers.
“My lecturers cared. Every single one was there making sure I understood the work and pushing me on. I owe my excellent results to them and the colleges’ Centre for Maths and Science”, said an elated Alisha, who completed her National N Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
After receiving a full scholarship to study at the University of Witwatersrand (WITS), 24-year-old, Alisha Harilal completed two years of her engineering degree and had to abandon her studies and return home to Durban due to the death of her gran. But, despite this tragic turn of events in her life Alisha returned home and was faced with the daunting task of finding a reputable and affordable engineering institution where she could complete her studies.
“I heard of Berea College through the Youth Centre in Phoenix and many of my friends spoke about the good reputation it has with engineering. At first, I was sceptical, because it was a private college and not a university, but now when I look back it was the best decision I made. Most people think that a college education is inferior to university, but I proved them wrong. My course included the same modules, I wrote the National Department of Education exams, but the difference was the individual attention. I wasn’t just a number in a large lecture theatre.”
Alisha, the only child to a former Metro Police Inspectorate mum and Accounts Clerk dad laughed about how she and her cousin enjoyed playing with gadgets and fixing things. “I wasn’t the conventional girl that played with dolls – I was definitely a Legos child.”
Alisha attended Northmead Secondary School in Phoenix and completed matric as a ‘Á’ student. Her absolute love for Maths and Science is what made her pursue a career in engineering. When she is not delving into the exciting world of math’s, she spends time with her mum rescuing and feeding stray cats.
As part of the colleges’ 100% Graduate Employment Programme, Alisha was employed on a part-time basis at the Berea Tech Centre for the Advancement of Maths and Science and after completing her qualification was offered a full-time position.
Berea Technical College (BTC), a leading private education College in KwaZulu-Natal celebrates 21 years as one of the pioneer colleges in Durban. It offers diplomas in Civil, Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical Engineering, and is also known for its unique trade offering in Bricklaying and Plastering, Plumbing, Motor Trade, Fitting and Machining and Welding.
Visit one of the campuses, call on 031 3045207/827 8300 or go to www.btc.edu.za; www.bct.ac.za and let them help you make that all-important career choice.