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Engineering Patternmaker
The work of patternmakers in the metal and engineering industry involves the manufacture of durable patterns from materials such as wood, plastics, fibreglass or metal. These patterns are the starting point for a chain of activities leading to the manufacture of castings for products such as pumps and bearings.
Patternmakers work from drawings; they select and mark material to the shape and size and cut and saw it. After the material has been finished off, it is assembled into the pattern or model, which is used by moulders to form moulds for castings.
Patternmakers work mostly indoors and use equipment such as woodworking, sawing and sanding machines, so that working conditions can be somewhat noisy. Patternmakers are on their feet most of the day.
Satisfying Aspects
- detailed work
- working with your hands
- relatively good remuneration and benefits
- seeing the results of your work
Demanding aspects
- tired feet
- irritation caused by dust
- noisy work environment
Requirements
A pattern-maker should:
- be at least 16 years old;
- be able to pay attention to detail;
- be able to work carefully and accurately;
- work well under supervision;
- enjoy working with his hands;
- able to concentrate under noisy working conditions;
- be practical;
- have mathematical aptitude.
School Subjects
Grade 9 Certificate.
Some employers prefer higher qualifications.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Engineering and Graphic Design
Training
There are three ways to qualify as a registered artisan:
1. An apprenticeship is a 4-year contract between company and apprentice, comprising a 12-week theoretical training, which includes 4 subjects at national exam level.
2. A learnership is a structured learning programme that leads to a qualification in a certain field. The learnership programme includes a theoretical and a practical component. It usually takes about a year to complete. The training takes place on-site (on the premises of the organisation). This has the advantage that the learner gets on-the-job experience whilst training.
3. FET colleges offer theoretical training to prospective artisans via the new National Certificate Vocational (NCV). During this 3-year programme (levels 2 to 4), learners complete a school-leaving certificate (this NCV) similar to the
new National Senior Certificate (NSC) in schools. They are also exposed to a practical workshop component.
All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan. As an alternative to doing the full qualification, a learner can apply to do a skills programme at a FET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.
For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest FET College. FET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MERSETA or CHIETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme.
Learners must all receive training in occupational safety and first aid, fire-fighting and preventative security measures. Learners study everything about the installation, maintenance and repair of all electrical equipment. They must also become familiar with municipal legislation relevant to electricity supply and consumption.
Employer
- Foundries or pattern shops in the metal industry
- Boat, motorcar, aircraft and various other industries
Contact
The Steel & Engineering Industries Federation
of South Africa (SEIFSA)
P O Box 1338
Johannesburg, 2000
Tel: (011) 298-9400 Fax: (011) 298-9500
www.seifsa.co.za
www.seifsa.co.za
Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)
Private Bag X 691
Bruma, 2026
Tel: (011) 607-9500 Fax: (011) 622-9295
E-mail: engineer@ecsa.co.za
www.ecsa.co.za