Meet Jaco Burger, an accomplished engineer with a passion for making a difference. After completing his Mechanical Engineering degree at North-West University in 2009, Jaco embarked on a successful career at Eskom, where he specialised in Air Quality Control with emphasis on Electrostatic Precipitators and SO3 conditioning plants. In 2020, he joined Babcock Ntuthuko Engineering (BNE) as an Emissions Abatement Service Engineer, bringing his expertise to the Process Engineering department.
Committed to excellence
Jaco's commitment to continuous learning and professional growth led him to pursue a master's degree in chemical engineering at North-West University's Potchefstroom campus, sponsored by Eskom's Power Plant Engineering Institute (EPPEI). Demonstrating his dedication to personal development, Jaco also completed the New Managers Development Program (NMDP) at the University of Stellenbosch Business School in 2022/23, a Babcock initiative aimed at enhancing the skills of their employees.
Currently, Jaco is deeply involved in the Electrostatic Precipitators (ESP) upgrade project at Lethabo Power Station. He plays a crucial role as a subject matter expert, providing technical support from design to construction. With a focus on making design improvements and refurbishments according to OEM specifications, Jaco ensures that the project progresses smoothly and meets the highest standards.
What sets Babcock apart for Jaco is the welcoming and supportive environment that the company cultivates. From the moment he joined in 2020, he felt like part of a close-knit family. Babcock values its employees, recognising and appreciating their hard work, which motivates everyone to continually excel. Furthermore, the company actively invests in the professional development of its workforce, offering training programs and embracing cutting-edge technologies. This commitment to advancement allows Jaco and his colleagues to thrive in their roles and tackle new challenges with confidence.
Jaco's work at Babcock also contributes to creating a safer and more secure world. Through Babcock's technology partnership with B&W, they gain access to state-of-the-art technology and intellectual property developed over many years. This collaboration, combined with their in-house expertise, enables Babcock to deliver comprehensive turnkey solutions that meet their customers' needs. By integrating advanced technologies and utilising their multidisciplinary support, Jaco and his team ensure that their solutions address critical environmental concerns, resulting in a safer and more secure world for all.
When reflecting on his own journey, Jaco shares a powerful piece of advice for aspiring engineers: "Strive for perfection in everything you do. Take the best that exists and make it better. When it does not exist, design it." These words from Sir Henry Royce, an influential English engineer and car designer, inspire Jaco to always push the boundaries and create innovative solutions that make a lasting impact.
As an engineer involved in sustainability, Jaco understands the importance of reducing emissions in the supply chain. Since joining Babcock, he has been empowered to be innovative and identify opportunities to support the company's sustainability goals. With the multidisciplinary in-house support available, Jaco can contribute to reducing emissions and creating a safe and secure world by leveraging his expertise and knowledge.
Jaco's career journey at Babcock exemplifies the exciting opportunities and groundbreaking technologies the company is involved in. His story showcases how Babcock nurtures talent, fosters personal growth, and empowers employees to make a difference in their respective fields. Through their commitment to excellence and innovation, Babcock continues to shape the future and inspire the next generation of engineers.
