South African Tradesmen, Artisans Feel SKA's Impact

South African rhinoceros. Pic: sxc.hu

SKA looks likely to create a renaissance in South African artisanship (trades skills).

Tens of thousands of skilled workers could be required for the Square Kilometre Array and associated construction according to Jasper Horrell, the general manager of science, computing and innovation at SKA South Africa.

After completing the 64-dish MeerKAT, 250 mid-frequency antennas will be built in South Africa and nearby countries, and then 500 other receivers... besides which the IT component is so huge it hasn't been designed yet... because the tech doesn't exist...

Read the full story from iol.co.za after the jump:
http://www.iol.co.za/business/business-news/ska-project-to-bolster-training-of-sa-artisans