For several months, our team at SoftMed poured expertise and dedication into crafting a landmark Technical Skills Development Workshop for the Electrical Transmission and Distribution Company ETDCO Construction. This ambitious project empowered engineers, technicians, supervisors, quantity surveyors, and ArcGIS-specific trainees with advanced proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, STAAD Pro, DigiSilent, and PLS-CADD.
More than just a training program, this five-week initiative was a strategic catalyst, equipping ETDCO’s workforce to revolutionize energy infrastructure with skills tailored to their operational demands.
A Milestone in Capacity Building
The ETDCO Technical Skills Development Project was a pivotal investment in human capital for one of the energy sector’s key players. Our mission was to deliver hands-on, industry-relevant training in four critical software tools essential to ETDCO’s operations:
- ArcGIS Pro: Mastering spatial data management and visualization
- STAAD Pro: Designing and analyzing robust steel tower structures
- DigiSilent: Simulating and optimizing power systems
- PLS-CADD: Creating efficient, terrain-integrated transmission line designs
Led by our expert facilitators Erick J Magoti, Nzalalila Thadei, Ndimwenya Msinjili, and Martin Silayo—the project blended rigorous theory with practical application, ensuring participants could immediately translate their skills into real-world impact.
A Journey Through Technical Mastery
Week 1: ArcGIS Pro – Mapping the Future
The project launched with ArcGIS Pro, where participants like Rainer Rumanyika and Jackline Boniphace immersed themselves in GIS workflows. From navigating coordinate systems to creating 3D visualizations and exporting professional maps, trainees mastered spatial data management through immersive, hands-on exercises.
Their enthusiastic engagement and insightful questions fueled dynamic sessions, with participants eager for industry-specific applications a challenge our team met with tailored content.
Week 2: DigiSilent – Powering System Excellence
Next, we introduced DigiSilent PowerFactory, equipping trainees with the tools to simulate and analyze electrical networks. Through load flow analysis, short-circuit studies, and system optimization, participants developed expertise critical for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of ETDCO’s transmission systems. Real-world case studies sparked lively discussions, cementing their ability to address complex power system challenges.
Week 3: PLS-CADD – Designing Tomorrow’s Transmission Lines
The third week focused on PLS-CADD, the industry standard for transmission line design. Trainees learned to model conductors, perform sag-tension calculations, and optimize lines while integrating terrain data. By generating detailed reports, they honed skills to design resilient, efficient transmission infrastructure a cornerstone of ETDCO’s mission to deliver reliable energy.
Week 4: STAAD Pro – Building Stronger Foundations
The final week was dedicated to STAAD Pro, where Eng. Thadei Nzalalila guided participants in mastering structural modeling for steel towers. From analyzing wind and seismic loads to troubleshooting design errors, trainees built robust skills. A field visit to a power station brought their learning to life, connecting theoretical designs to real-world applications. The week concluded with comprehensive report generation, ensuring immediate applicability to ETDCO’s projects.
Why This Matters
The ETDCO Technical Skills Development Project was a game-changer, representing a significant step toward operational excellence. Here’s why it was such a big deal:
Unmatched Engagement: Participants across all sessions demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm, completing tasks with precision and driving collaborative, thought-provoking discussions.
Real-World Impact: Hands-on exercises, real datasets, and a field visit ensured skills were directly applicable to ETDCO’s operations, from spatial planning to infrastructure design.
Interdisciplinary Synergy: The diverse mix of engineers, technicians, and surveyors fostered a dynamic learning environment, blending perspectives to tackle multifaceted challenges.
Sustained Value: With six months of post-training support, participants are empowered to apply their skills confidently, driving long-term innovation and efficiency.
A Legacy of Empowerment
The impact of this project extends far beyond its duration. By equipping ETDCO’s workforce with proficiency in ArcGIS Pro, STAAD Pro, DigiSilent, and PLS-CADD, we’ve enabled a team to lead in spatial analysis, structural design, power system simulation, and transmission line optimization.
These skills will enhance ETDCO’s ability to plan resilient infrastructure, ensure reliable power delivery, and contribute to a sustainable energy future.
At SoftMed, we’re proud to have delivered this transformative project, months in the making, to empower ETDCO’s workforce. This initiative showcases the power of targeted, high-impact training to unlock potential and drive progress. As ETDCO’s newly skilled professionals apply their expertise in the field, we’re excited to see the ripple effect of their contributions across the energy sector.
