Millwrights or electromechanicians install and maintain heavy machinery used in industry. They perform maintenance work on production machines, electrically driven machines and electronic control gear.
The work is both mechanical and electrical. It involves dismantling, fault detection, repairing and in some cases, the manufacturing of parts, as well as the maintenance, reconstruction and installation of machinery.
With modern developments toward automation, this trade also requires knowledge of electronics as applied to the control of heavy electrically driven equipment. Millwrights should therefore have a thorough knowledge of the manufacturing of machine components.
Fault detection is one of the major responsibilities, as well as the installation of new machinery. In most cases the machine has to be dismantled before it is possible to determine where the fault lies. As it is often not possible to replace the defective component immediately, an electromechanician or millwright must be able to make temporary repairs, so that the machine can be used until the correct parts are available. This requires specialized knowledge of fitting. They must therefore have a thorough knowledge of the manufacturing of machined components.
Another important task of electromechanicians or millwrights is electrical installation. They dismantle electrical motors and test for faults, check wiring, as well as determine power output. This includes other functions such as the coupling of cables. Automation also requires skill in electronics as it is used in controlling heavy, electrically powered equipment.
Millwrights usually work indoors in the production sections of factories and industries. Work settings may range from modern and well-ventilated to hot, noisy and dirty, depending on the employer and the task. Some millwrights have to travel, especially those who work for construction companies, and therefore work in a variety of settings on site. Millwrights sometimes have to work long hours under difficult conditions and great tension to find and repair faults.
Satisfying Aspects
- working with one's hands
- the variety of work
- working both with electric and mechanical components
- visiting different sites
Demanding aspects
- working in dirty, noisy environments
- long hours
- the possibility of accidents or injuries on the job
Requirements
A millwright should be/have:
- at least 16 years of age
- responsible, have initiative and self-confidence
- mechanical aptitude and understanding of electrical principles
- good memory for details
- manual dexterity and enjoy working with your hands
- healthy and strong
- good eye-hand coordination
- able to work under pressure and to solve problems
- able to work high above the ground and in confined spaces
- perseverance and the ambition to broaden knowledge
School Subjects
Grade 9 Certificate.
Some employers prefer higher qualifications.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics
Recommended Subjects: Physical Sciences, Engineering and Technology
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
- machinery manufacturers
- manufacturers of transportation equipment
- manufacturers of metal, paper, steel, and chemical products
- construction industry
- manufacturers and installers of electrical equipment
- government departments
- municipalities
- mines
- such organizations as: Mittal Steel, Eskom, Sasol, CSIR, NECSA
- self-employment, with enough experience and capital, can start own business
Contact
The Steel & Engineering Industries Federation
of South Africa (SEIFSA)
P O Box 1338
Johannesburg, 2000
Tel: (011) 298-9400 Fax: (011) 298-9500
Contact the above-mentioned employers for more information.
www.seifsa.co.za