Electrical Engineer
OFO No: 215101
Other names for Electrical Engineer:
- Control Engineer
- Electric Power Generation Engineer
- Electrical Design Engineer
- Electrical Engineer (Mines)
- Electromechanical Engineer
- Illumination Engineer
- Power Distribution Engineer
- Power Systems Engineer
- Power Transmission Engineer
- Railway Signal Engineer
Youtube clip – All about Electrical Engineering
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is an Electrical Engineer?
An Electrical Engineer usually deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism.
This field can be divided into two main groups:
- Electrical Engineering:
Works with problems associated with large-scale electrical systems such as power transmission and motor control circuits. In simpler terms, they are also usually concerned with the transfer and conversion of electrical power to transmit energy.
- Electronics Engineering:
Deals solely with the study of small-scale electronic systems including computers and integrated circuits. They are usually concerned with using electricity to transfer information using radio waves, the design of electronic circuits and computer systems and the development of control systems.
Sometimes these two areas can merge and some Electronical Engineers cover both.
What does an Electrical Engineer do?
- studies technical manuals
- designs, implements, maintains, and improves electronics and electrical components and circuits
- tests, and assembles devices
- studies articles and other publications and keeps up to date with technology
- works on strategic planning and tracking projects
- writes reports
- attends meetings
Are you . . . ?
- interested in electricity and/or electronics?
- highly intelligent?
- interested in research?
- analytical and logical?
- good at communication, both written and spoken?
- computer literate?
- organised and methodical?
- electrically creative?
- a problem solver?
- patience?
- a person with good hand-eye co-ordination?
How do I become an Electrical Engineer?
PATH 1
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- University of Cape Town
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Kwazulu Natal
- University of Pretoria
- University of South Africa (UNISA)
- University of Stellenbosch
- University of Witwatersrand
PATH 2
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering
- 3 years workplace experience (registered as a Candidate Engineer with ECSA)
- Professional Review by ECSA
- Designation: Only engineers registered with ECSA may use the title Professional Engineer.
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
- ENGINEERING COUNCIL of SA (ECSA)
https://www.ecsa.co.za/default.aspx
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Electrician, Electromechanician/Millwright or Refrigeration/Air Conditioning Mechanic
Is becoming an Electrical Engineer the right career choice for me?