Introduction
Commencing the Meng (Hons) in Energy at Ken Institute in 2025 marked a critical transition in my carrier. At first, I thought I was just adding qualification. I was wrong. It changed how I see the career. With 18 years’ experience as a certified Heavy Plant Artisan and current Water Process Controller at Debswana, I entered the program with strong practical skills but limited exposure to formal engineering research and systems thinking.
Transformation Experienced
The initial phase of the course challenged my technician mindset. Course work in the thermodynamics, energy modelling, and research methodology required a shift from empirical repair to analytical design. This transition was demonstrated in my Final Year Project: a dual-axis solar tracker. Previously, I would have constructed the system based on my workshop experience. The programme required me to integrate INA219 data acquisition, quantify a 25.4% net energy gain, and design a four-layer circuit protection scheme. This demonstrated a transition from practical execution to evidence-based engineering.
Planned work improvements: Professional work
1.Predictive Maintenance: At the Orapa Water Treatment plant , I intend to implement a routine logging of pump current, pressure, and run-hours via SCADA to enable condition-based maintenance and reduce downtime.
2.Energy Optimization: I will apply energy audit principles to all process equipment, with a key target is to propose one-solar assisted pumping or tracking initiative to Debswana’s Energy management team within the next 12months, aligning with the mine decarbonization goals.
3.Technical Communication: I will develop proficiency in structured technical reporting and APA referencing to improve internal knowledge transfer at Debswana.
Planned Improvements: Personal and Performance
1. Structured Learning: Allocate 8 hours weakly for advanced study in MATALAB, Python, and renewable energy design.
2. Growth Mindset: Approach academic challenges as opportunities for development to reduce reliance on trial-and -error methods.
3. Knowledge Transfer: mentor two or more junior process controllers in instrumentation and data interpretation to support Debswana’s skills pipeline.
Conclusion.
The Ken Institute Meng programme has catalysed my evolution from artisan to engineer. My plan is to operationalize this transformation through data-driven practices, continuous learning, and leadership in energy efficiency at Debswana
