Mechatronics Technician
OFO No: 671203
Other names for Mechatronics Technician:
- Mechatronics Trades Worker
What is a Mechatronics Technician?
Mechatronics is a new, cutting-edge artisan field. It’s a design-combination of mechanical, electrical, computer and control engineering. It’s extremely high-tech and it’s paving its way to becoming one of the most exciting career paths for would-be engineers.
Mechatronic Engineers design ‘smart’ devices and equipment. For example: Robotics
Mechatronic Technicians assist the Mechatronics Engineers.
Mechatronics is changing the way we see and do things in our daily lives: from transportation to optical telecommunications to biomedical engineering.
Mechatronics is such a wide field – it can cover areas from the toy industry through to devices made for the elderly and the disabled. The list is endless.
Mechatronics has been popular in Japan for a very long time. It’s now taking off in the west and many countries are accepting its potential value.
What does a Mechatronics Technician do?
- builds prototypes under the watchful eye of the Mechatronic Engineer
- makes sure electrical/mechanical systems are in good working order
- finds the route of the problem and fixes it
- does routine maintenance and servicing
- tests new equipment
- communicates well with the rest of the team
- uses a variety of high tech computers and equipment
- installs new equipment
- keeps records
Are you … ?
- good with your hands?
- extremely good at mathematics?
- analytical? (able to think clearly)
- ambitious?
- practical?
- a creative thinker?
- a hard worker?
- dedicated?
- interested in technology?
How do I become a Mechatronics Technician?
PATH 1
- Apprenticeship
- Trade Test
PATH 2
- Learnership – Mechatronics Level – NQF Level 2 and 3
- Learnership – Mechatronics (Hydraulics / Pneumatics / Automation) NQF Level 04
- Trade Test
PATH 3
- Learnership – Mechatronics Level – NQF Level 2 and 3
- Learnership – Mechatronics (Sensors & Measurement) – NQF Level 4
- Trade Test
PATH 4
- Learnership – Mechatronics Level – NQF Level 2 and 3
- Learnership – Mechatronics (Controls / Automation) – NQF Level 04
- Trade Test
PATH 5
- National Certificate: Engineering Studies N1, N2, N3
- These can be done at many TVET (FET) colleges
- Workplace experience
- Trade Test
PATH 6
- Artisan Internship
- Trade Test
PATH 7
- RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
- If you have already been working a long time as a Bricklayer without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
- Trade Test
PATH 8
- TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY: National Diploma in Engineering (Mechatronics)
- UNISA: National Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Mechatronics)
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.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Mechatronics Engineer … or … Aircraft Mechanic
Is becoming a Mechatronics Technician the right career choice for me?
