Instrument makers manufacture, install and repair instruments. Very high standards have to be met with regard to the design and production of instruments to be used by scientists, industrial organizations and academic institutions.
Instruments may be classified according to their use, as follows:
Mechanical instruments: used for mechanical purposes e.g. watches, thermometers, odometers and pressure gauges
Optical instruments: including spectacles, telescopes and cameras, the production of which requires a high degree of skill and accuracy
Electrical instruments: such as voltmeters, ammeters, kilowatt gauges and delicate electronic equipment
Chemical instruments: including very complex apparatus used in chemical engineering
Medical instruments and apparatus: such as scissors and pincers
The instruments have to be checked regularly and defects should be detected and repaired by an instrument maker.
Instrument makers work mostly indoors in designing and manufacturing plants. Working conditions depend on the field of specialization: mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, chemical or optical. In many cases control panels are in comfortable surroundings.
Satisfying Aspects
- the opportunity to specialize
- variety of work tasks
- the challenge of designing new instruments
- the possibility of becoming self-employed
Demanding aspects
- the possibility of eyestrain resulting from doing detailed work
- the possibility of accidents or injuries on the job
- working overtime to get orders completed
Requirements
An instrument maker should:
- work meticulously;
- be very accurate and precise;
- have mathematical ability and mechanical aptitude;
- be diligent and patient;
- have good hand and finger dexterity;
- be practical;
- have good eye-sight;
- enjoy the design and manufacture of scale models.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate or an N3.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Engineering and Graphic Design, Electrical Technology
Training
Register with an employer providing suitable training. Training consists of theoretical and practical work:
- Theoretical training: at a FET College, correspondence course at Technisa
- Practical training: in-service training under supervision of a qualified tradesman
Duration of course: 5 years but it could be shorter if the candidate has higher educational qualifications
Final examination: a compulsory trade test set by the Department of Labour to qualify as an artisan
During learnership training, emphasis is placed on the safety measures that are related to electrical work, poisonous or flammable gases, the use of hand-tools, the handling of melted or hot metals, fluids and gases under pressure, and the handling of machinery. Training covers a wide field and includes, amongst others, the following:
- Precision measurements - the use of precision measurement tools to make measurements according to sketches
- Turning work, the measurement of tools and tolerances, closure of appliances
- Manufacturing of instruments such as voltmeters, ammeters and galvanometers, as well as the installation and maintenance of instrument systems
Employer
- such organizations as: Sasol, ISCOR, Telkom, South African Airways, ESKOM
- municipalities
- electrical factories
- manufacturing industries
- self-employment, with enough experience and capital, can start own business
Contact
Sasol Group Shared Services Information Centre
recruitment specialist
e-Mail: careers@sasol.com
Tel: (017) 610-7501