General Information

There continuous to be a need for qualified artisans to support and grow the economy of South Africa. Although artisan occupations are primarily focused on hand skills and practical ability, they are supported by a substantial amount of general or vocational or fundamental knowledge learnt at a College.

A career in Engineering, such as Mechanical Fitter, is very demanding. It will be expected from you to work long hours and also on week-ends and public holidays to meet the demand and targets as set by the employer. As reward the salaries of qualified artisans compare favourable to other careers. There is also the opportunity to start your own business.

What  is an occupation Mechanical Fitter?

Mechanical Fitters fit, assemble, erect, install, service, repair and test mechanical plant and machinery according to drawings and specifications. They also keep records of work.

Entry Requirements

• Grade 9/10/11/12 Or NQF Level 1 qualification with mathematics (not mathematical literacy),

Occupational Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to be able to fit, maintain and repair sub-assemblies and machines.

A qualified learner will be able to:

• Apply hand skills to fabricate mechanical components using engineering tools.
• Perform engineering maintenance on mechanical components, subassemblies and machines.
• Repair, install and commission subassemblies and machines.

Rationale:

The Mechanical Fitter is a recognised trade qualification which prepares the person to work effectively in various industries by making use of their skills and to meet the challenges of such an environment.

In the field of engineering, fitting is characterised by the provision of engineering maintenance, repair and installation services and support in a variety of industries. The equipment requiring such service and support ranges from sophisticated equipment to antiquated single station machines.

People working in the mechanical engineering field require specialised technical skills and knowledge, as well as highly developed hand skills in order to meet the mechanical engineering requirements of diverse industries.

The primary focus of this curriculum is to develop the ability to repair and install complex mechanical assemblies and diagnose and repair equipment and machinery during production/operation.

Qualifying learners are able to maintain and support the various policies and procedures related to the safety, health, environment and quality systems that govern their workplace.

Output

• Qualified tradesman with a red seal or trade test after 3 years.
• The candidate will pass the new trade test that includes both theory assessment ( Formative Assessments), Summative Assessments & Practical Assessments

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. The ability to apply hand skills to fabricate mechanical components using engineering tools.
2. The ability to perform engineering maintenance on mechanical components, subassemblies and machines.
3. The ability to repair, install and commission subassemblies and machines.