Other names for Lift Mechanic:

• Elevator Fitter
• Elevator Repair Person
• Lift Electrician
• Lift Fitter / Installer
• Lift Service Technician

What is a Lift Mechanic?

Lift Mechanics work as part of a crew and specialise in the assembly, installation, testing and maintenance of escalators and lifts in accordance with local and national regulations.

Lift Mechanics work indoors, both in buildings under construction and in existing buildings. Some Lift Mechanics may even work on our local mines.

When installing a new lift, the shaft is constructed and prepared for use. The electrical wiring and controls are connected up. The lift car is then assembled and installed, together with the hoist that winds and unwinds the lift cable.

When the lifting equipment is operational mechanics check, adjust and recheck it to be sure it is working properly and safely.

Working conditions are sometimes uncomfortable due to the confined spaces one has to work in as well as the dust, oil and grease.

What does a Lift Mechanic do?

• puts together units and installs them
• tests that units are in good working order
• obeys safety regulations at all times
• services existing units regularly
• repairs units where necessary
• replaces parts
• replaces old units with new ones
• keeps detailed records of each unit

Are you … ?

• interested in working in the construction industry?
• claustrophobic?  If YES, this is not a good career option for you!
• mechanically minded?
• mathematically minded?
• detail orientated?
• responsible and trustworthy?
• service driven?
• practical?
• good with your hands?
• observant?
• willing to work in cramped, often dusty places?

How do I become a Lift Mechanic?

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship (theory training at TVET college + practical training under qualified artisan)
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Lift Installation & Maintenance Level 2, 3 and 4#
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Grade 10 or TVET (FET) Certificate NQF Level 2
• National Certificate in Lifting Machine Operations (NQF Level 3)
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• National Certificate: N1, N2, N3 (Engineering Studies)
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as an Elevator / Lift Mechanic without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• Trade Test

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: Pipe Fitter … or … Aircraft Mechanic

Is becoming a Lift Mechanic the right career choice for me?

Other names for Handyperson:

• Handy Person 
• Handy Man 
• Hotel Useful 
• Hotel Yardsperson

What is a Handyman / Handyperson?

A Handyperson cleans, paints, repairs and maintains buildings, grounds and facilities. This work may include fixing or repairing mechanical or electrical equipment, machines, heating systems, air conditioning, plumbing etc.

Handypersons usually repair most things, but they also need to recognise when they are unable to fix a problem and should rather call a specialist for assistance.  

They also need to prevent equipment from breaking down or deteriorating by maintaining it.

Handypersons solve small problems before they become large, serious ones.  They keep records of repairs done and the dates when equipment was last repaired or inspected.  This helps them establish a timetable for inspecting and repairing, e.g. for replacing filters and oiling moving parts on machinery.

Traditionally, this kind of work used to be reserved for men, but women are fast making their way into the industry.  That is why the term handyman was changed to Handyperson.
Handypersons are usually employed by both the government (national, provincial or local) and the private sector (maintenance companies). 

Handypersons work in hospitals, colleges, offices, apartment buildings, factories, schools, stores and malls. 

In small institutions, they are responsible for any kind of care and upkeep, while in larger establishments they usually specialise in a particular field.
Some may even start their own business.

What does a Handyman / Handyperson do?

• repairs broken windows, doors, fences, tables, shelves, cupboards etc
• replaces defective items
• fixes, sands and paintssurfaces indoors and outdoors
• clears away rubbish
• mows lawns
• adjusts and hanging doors
• replaces tap washers
• puts up handrails etc etc
• does routine maintenance
• keeps records

Are you . . .?

• practical?
• helpful?
• mechanically minded?
• physically strong?
• healthy?
• a person who understands directions?
• able to work in dirty or unpleasant surroundings?
• willing to work, in often, hazardous areas?
• service orientated?

How do I become a Handyman / Handyperson?

You don’t need formal education to become a Handyperson, however, Handypersons in senior positions are expected to have a matric certificate and in most cases, have done a diploma course at a University of Technology or FET college.

• PROTECH TRAINING
  

Offers various courses, learnerships and apprenticeships:   

• HANDYMAN COURSES

Offers Basic, Advanced and Hospitality training courses. 

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: Electrician … or … Locksmith

Is becoming a Handyman / Handyperson the right career choice for me?