Jacobus Vosloo De Kock

I completed my vacation training at Chicane (Refurbishment and Salvage Management Services). Gaining practical experience in engineering work environments was the main goal of the 6 week training program, with an emphasis on how technical responsibilities, business operations, and environmental factors interact. I worked on projects during the program, such as fixing Anfex Loaders and assessing a Copper granulator System, where I obtained a greater understanding of how to optimize and improve systems that are underperforming.

During 2020, a friend and I found a way to earn extra money by selling firewood. With lockdown restrictions in place and more people staying at home, the demand for firewood increased as families spent more time around the braai and indoor fireplaces. We sourced wood from local suppliers and farms, cutting and bundling it myself to keep costs low. Using social media and word-of-mouth, we marketed my firewood to neighbors and community members, offering affordable prices and even delivering orders to their homes. The business quickly gained traction, allowing us to go to university with extra money.