The annual Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is South Africa’s only existing science fair for learners and offers companies the opportunity to support learners becoming involved in science and engineering at an early age.

For many years this Expo has offered a platform for learners to demonstrate their innovation in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and Fluor is delighted to have been part of this year’s event.

“Fluor has selected Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education as an important area of investment, as we are committed to support the development of young South Africans,” said Sifiso Pitso, Manager of Engineering, Fluor South Africa.

This year, more than 60 000 learners from schools in 26 regions around the country submitted their science projects at the regional Expos, demonstrating their research, design, entrepreneurship, innovation and inventiveness. “The national finals were recently held at Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Johannesburg where over 1000 learners participated,” added Pitso.

The judging criteria was based on the learners’ scientific work and the effort that went into the project, as well as the initiative displayed. In addition, the scientific method followed by the learners, combined with the quality of their findings, were taken into consideration. Gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded at the regional and national finals. A number of special awards also recognised exceptional projects and in addition, selected learners were offered the opportunity to participate in international science fairs.

“Fluor handed over three prizes of R 7000.00 each to deserving learners in the Innovation, Biology and
Chemistry, and Non-renewable Energy categories.

The recipients were Albert Ottesen, a grade 9 learner from Bridge House College in Stellenbosch, Lauren
Poole, a grade 10 learner from DSG School in Grahamstown and Shepherd Mhlongo, a grade 11 learner
from Sitintile Secondary School in Nelspruit. “Fluor strategically chose STEM as an area of investment in view of the shortage of engineers nationally and globally and believes that the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, will encourage learners to follow a career in Engineering that will guarantee us of a pool of engineers in the future,” concluded Pitso.

About Fluor Corporation
Fluor Corporation is a global engineering, procurement, fabrication, construction and maintenance company that designs, builds and maintains capital-efficient facilities for its clients on six continents. For more than a century, Fluor has served its clients by delivering innovative and integrated solutions across the globe. With headquarters in Irving, Texas, Fluor ranks 149 on the Fortune 500 list with revenue of $19 billion in 2016 and has more than 60,000 employees worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.fluor.com or follow Fluor on social media at Facebook, Twitter,LinkedIn and YouTube.

Issued by Venetia De Vries
On Behalf of Fluor SA
083 288 9883