Engineering Technicians and Technologist Career Description
The training of technicians was initiated by the engineering profession. It was the result of industrial and technological development during World War II, which caused a gap between the tasks performed by engineers and those performed by artisans. Technicians communicate with the engineer on theoretical and technical level and at the same time they possess the practical training required to guide the artisan.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Engineering technicians
They are people who have received their education and training at a tertiary institution in South Africa, usually a university. Apart from the theory dealt with in the classroom, the syllabi include instruction in
laboratory /measurement techniques, drawing office work and workshop practice, where applicable.
Included in the work to obtain the diploma awarded by the technikon, is experiential training with an employer in industry where the students are given the opportunity of applying the theoretical knowledge obtained in the classroom to s.olve engineering problems allocated to them. In this regard, they will make use of standard methods of problem solving. Where the usual approach is unsuccessful, students are instructed to modify the usual methods in order to arrive at satisfactory solutions.
Engineering technologists
They are people who are educated and trained to solve complex engineering problems. They will investigate and analyse these problems carefully, and, if they have the necessary experience, plan their solution accordingly. The work may be of such a nature that standard engineering methods may easily solve them. On the other hand, new approaches may be necessary if specific problems are encountered. This may involve designing new processes, equipment, structures and anything else that may be necessary. They will be required to supervise the execution of the work. Each member of their staff must have specific tasks allocated to them to see that the work progresses satisfactorily. It is important that regular meetings be held with the staff on site and elsewhere to ensure this. On top of all this, they must carry full responsibility for all the work done under their control.
Examples of the work done by technicians in the main engineering sectors are described below:
Agricultural engineering
These technicians are responsible for designing structures and machinery for farming purposes (dairies and wine cellars), irrigation, water storage and drainage, soil conservation and processing, and the transport, storage and processing of
agricultural products. They are also involved in the research and development of agricultural production systems.
Chemical engineering
These technicians are concerned with the manufacturing of chemicals on an industrial scale, as well as with the industrial processes that convert raw material into products with a higher economic value through physical, thermal or chemical changes.
Chemical technicians / engineers are qualified to undertake a wide variety of activities. They research, develop, design, construct and operate the plants required to make any processed product from bricks, metals and plastics to chocolate, soap and cheese.
Civil engineering
Civil engineering projects involve the control and adaptation of the physical environment to mankind's advantage. This includes construction of bridges, roads, docks, airport runways, railways, tunnels, reservoirs, canals, sewerage and drainage systems, gas and water supplies and other large structures.
Electrical engineering
These technicians are involved in designing, testing equipment that leaves the factory, or installing and testing power plants. The technicians assist the engineers with the monitoring of the generation of power and the distribution of the electrical energy to the eventual consumer.
Electronic engineering
Micro-electronics has caused a revolution in the field of electronics and makes it possible to produce more sophisticated, smaller, cheaper electronic products such as computers, microwave and satellite communication systems, electronic medical equipment, as well as control systems for aeroplanes and missiles.
Electronic equipment is designed and developed by a team consisting of the electronics engineer, technologist and technician. Engineering technicians implement, install and carry out the maintenance of the engineering teams' designs. Technicians usually work in fields such as telecommunications and computers.
Industrial engineering
These technicians develop facilities for the economical manufacture of products. Emphasis is placed on the application of industrial processes and staff utilisation. The functions are a compromise between engineering and business administration.
Mechanical engineering
Technicians deal with all kinds of machines and are involved in the manufacture, construction, layout, operation, maintenance and supervision of moving machinery and mechanical appliances. Activities include transport, power generation, air-conditioning and other services such as water supply to mines, factories and large buildings.
Metallurgical engineering
These technicians are involved with the processing of ore to deliver the end product. The ore is crushed, concentrated and then processed to metal, either through a melting process or in solutions.
Mining engineering
These technicians ensure effective and safe production. They often work with other engineers and technical management. They are engaged in ore extraction activities from both underground and from the surface workings.
The engineering technician's work consists of both intellectual and hands-on work. In large companies they may be employed in highly specialised capacity, using sophisticated techniques and equipment. The work environment varies including laboratories, offices, factories and production sites.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
The work covers a wide spectrum and the engineering technician and technologist should be scientifically and practically inclined. They should have a good sense of responsibility, have perseverance and be resourceful. They should also have a good technical understanding of and a lively interest in the natural sciences.
To carry out their coordinating function, they should maintain good interpersonal relations and enjoy working with people. Good communication skills are as important as technical skills.
Where can I work?
Employment opportunities are available at most engineering firms.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Engineering technicians or technologists can start their own businesses as contractors with the necessary finance and experience. The contracting industry is very different from regular companies. High salaries are paid but persons are also expected to work many hours. The engineering discipline is at the forefront of technological development. Technicians are the people who are constantly breaking new ground, with the result that job opportunities are continuously being created.
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