Arusha Technical College strives for excellence

Arusha Technical College (ATC) is an autonomous Institution registered by National Council for Technical Education (NACTE) to train technicians and engineers. The college was granted autonomous in March 2007 through the Arusha Technical College Establishment Order, to replace the then Technical College Arusha (TCA) that existed since 1978. Staff Writer DEOGRATIAS MUSHI explains how the college has undergone 30 years of good reputation in the provision of technical education and training.

FOR any person who visits Arusha Technical College (ATC) today he/she may not doubt that the institution is indeed striving to become a centre of excellence in training, research and consultancy in science and technology. You pass around the college corridors, and all you meet are jovial students moving from one lecture hall to the other, hurrying up to attend to another harangue. In short, there is no time to waste.
The students are aware that the college is struggling to provide competence-based technical education training, all aimed at conducting research and consultancy in science and technology for socio-economic development.
“I enjoy studying here. I am confidently sure that I can employ myself right after my graduation,” says one of the students pursuing degree course in irrigation engineering. According to ATC Principal Dr Richard Masika, the institute is striving to help students become professionals in various disciplines, and thus help in advancing development in various technical disciplines.

“We offer wide range of programmes, all leading to the awards of Ordinary Diplomas and Bachelor’s Degree. All programmes are accredited by National Council of Technical Education (NACTE) which regulates the quality of Technical Education in Tanzania. Some of our students graduate in the following programmes – Bachelor’s Degree in Civil and Irrigation Engineering,” says Dr Masika.

Dr Masika adds that other students also get ordinary diplomas in civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, transportation engineering, automotive engineering, and a diploma in laboratory science and technology, without forgetting ordinary diploma in electronics and telecommunication.
“In the near future, the college plans to start new programmes in the near future in the following fields, lapidary and jewelry technology, automotive and agro-mechanical engineering auto electric engineering, computer engineering and heavy duty equipment technology,” he says.
Currently ATC has 59 academic staff and 15 training support staff. While the academic staff falls under lecture and instructor cadre the supporting staff falls under technician and craftsman cadres. About 18 academic staff are currently pursuing their further studies leading to Bachelors degree, Masters degree and PhD. The College is also using part time staff to enhance training. The future plan is to recruit about 100 academic staff within the next five years at a rate of 20 staff per year and 45 supporting staff at a rate of 9 staff annually.
Dr Masika says that in 2010/11 academic year, ATC has enrolled 898 students of which 673 students are full time and part time students pursuing their Ordinary programme courses and Bachelors degree programme through National Technical Awards (NTA) system. The remaining 225 students are evening classes students pursuing their National Vocational Awards (NVA) programmes The college provides a comprehensive range of full-time and part-time programmes and also evening classes short courses.
Candidates may join the Ordinary Diploma (NTA LEVEL 4-6) programmes offered by ATC through the Direct Entry Scheme, the Indirect Entry Scheme or the Access Course route. In order to qualify for admission under the Direct scheme, a candidate must be a holder of a good Certificate of Secondary Education (CSE) with a minimum pass of “C” grade in three of the following subjects; Physics/Engineering Science, Mathematics and Chemistry/English.
A good General Certificate in Engineering (GCE) may also be considered. For admission into the NTA LEVEL 4-6 in Laboratory Sciences and Technology programme, qualified candidates must have passed Chemistry and Biology in addition to the above requirements. Under the indirect scheme, says Dr Masika, mature candidates may be admitted after sitting and passing for a special entrance examination.
In order to qualify for this examination, a candidate must have either one of the following requirements: “Be a holder of a good Certificate of Secondary Education or a good General Certificate in Engineering (GCE) with passes in Mathematics and Physics/Engineering Science.
A Possession of a Trade Test Grade II Certificate issued by the colleges accredited by the Vocational Education Training Authority (VETA) and an industrial experience of at least two years is an added advantage,” he says. According to Dr Masika, for applicants to be considered for admission into the Ordinary Diploma (NTA LEVEL 4-6) in Laboratory Science and Technology, they must be holders of CSE with good passes in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English.
This is an 8 week course with the objective of improving candidate’s competence in the field of engineering by bridging their respective gaps. This course leads to the redress Gender imbalance (due to admission of big number of female applicants) and diversification of enrolments by widening catchments areas. There are two categories of candidates that are admitted through this route.
Dr Masika says that ATC has introduced ordinary diploma bridging courses for Female Candidates. The objective of this programme is to improve gender balance amongst the ATC students by boosting qualifications of potential female candidates who do not qualify under the Direct Entry Scheme (i.e., passed but scored below the prevailing cut-off point) to qualify for admission.
“Under this programme, a female candidate is required to follow and successfully complete an 8 week bridging course. The subjects covered in the course include Mathematics, Physics, Mechanics, Communication Skills and Computer Applications. Upon successful completion, (passing in all the prescribed subjects), a female candidate will qualify for the Government sponsorship, subject to availability of vacancies,” says Dr Masika.

ATC conducts wide range of short courses in the following areas, Micro Computer Applications (for beginners), Advanced micro computer Applications (for intermediate and Advanced learners), Desktop Publishing and Web Application and Development, Operating Systems especially Linux, Database Development and Manager using Commercial and strong Database manager system.

The College is using its registered Production and Consultancy Bureau (PCB) in hiring its facilities, carrying out production activities and providing consultancy services. These include Geotechnical Soil Survey for Construction of buildings and road, Geotechnical soil survey for construction of dams, Testing Asphalt Concrete Mixes, Concrete mix design,

Supervision of construction of roads and buildings, Design of waste stabilization ponds and constructed wetlands, Design of Urine Diverting dry toilets, and Hiring of halls. ATC is also involved in the maintenance of medical equipment, Soil and bitumen Testing with Professional advisory Services, and Architectural Consultations, Structural Design Works.

By DEOGRATIAS MUSHI, Tanzania Daily News