Mr. Joulan Pillay – Facilitator, Assessor and Moderator at the Maritime School

“This is where I found my true calling….to educate the young minds of our country in Shipping”

Joulan is one of Durban’s most qualified teachers in the field of Maritime studies. We met him in his office at 54 Bay Terrace

Good morning Joulan, tell us about yourself…

JP: I’m a family man and strong in my faith. Im compassionate to those in need and put others needs before my own. Academically, I spent 4 years at UKZN starting with a Science and Engineering foundation programme which branched into to Zoology. I wasn’t too keen on dissecting animals and anatomy…so I changed to environmental science. I left UKZN in 2005 due to financial constraints at home and continued my studies through UNISA. I graduated from UNISA in 2008 with a Diploma in Youth Development.I started working at MSC in 2005 and spent 11 years at MSC’s Export department gaining a lot of experience. Whilst at MSC I obtained the following certificates, International Trade, Business Communication Skills, IMDG Compliance, First Aid and Health & Safety and then at the end of 2015 I moved to The Maritime School where I became a Facilitator, Assessor and Moderator. This is where I found my true calling….to educate the young minds of our country in Shipping, Customs Clearing & forwarding and Logistics. At The Maritime School I bring the practical element to the learners studies and help them understand the theory from a hands on perspective,giving them a complete all round qualification, and in doing so preparing them for the working world.

How do you teach to the state standards?

JP: We have a QMS (Quality management system) that is in line with SAQA standards and regulations as well as TETA requirements.

This ensures that state standards are maintained throughout and we deliver the best possible standard of education as a training provider.

How will you prepare students for standardized assessments?

JP: Each unit standard has specific outcomes, assessment criteria and critical cross-field outcomes which we align our assessments and lesson plans with.

In doing this, the learners are equipped to achieve what is required of them as an outcome for each unit standard.

Describe your discipline philosophy

JP: Punctuality is key as it is the first step to disciplining one’s self. We have deadlines and class times that we stick to and once the learners are in line with this the rest falls into place. We have individual relationships with learners so that we know them personally and they are comfortable at all times. We educate them on the consequences of falling by the way side with their studies and in the same token educate them on the benefits of having a successful career in the Maritime industry.

How do you communicate with parents?

JP: We have an open door policy with all parents and should there be a need we schedule a one-on-one session with the parents/guardians to discuss their child’s progress.

Would you suggest a similar career in the maritime studies?

JP: Yes, undoubtedly… the Maritime industry is continuously growing and an excellent way to kick start your career.

Three things you love of maritime school?

JP: I get to educate learners from my years of experience, my great team of facilitators, administrators and amazing management and flexibility given us.