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? 

OFO No:

CLICK HERE  or  CLICK HERE  

Youtube clips on Mechatronic Engineers

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Mechatronic Engineer?

Mechatronics is a new, cutting-edge engineering 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.

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 Mars Rover to the toy industry through to devices made for the elderly and the disabled through to specialised equipment to help humans break the land-speed record!  

The list is endless as some form of Mechatronics can be found in almost every career category.

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.

Mechatronic Engineers are in demand both here and internationally!

What does a Mechatronic Engineer do?

• plans and develops new projects
• communicates with marketing teams to determine ‘demand’ for products
• brainstorms new ideas
• draws up plans and designs
• creates models
• works within budgets
• works together with mechatronic technicians to build a prototype
• tests and troubleshoots and makes adjustment

Are you … ?

• creative?
• a person who likes design?
• confident?
• curious?
• clever?
• extremely good at mathematics?
• a person who loves science?
• a good communicator?

How do I become a Mechatronic Engineer?

At the moment, these SA universities offer an engineering Bachelors degree in Mechatronics:

• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

• Stellenbosch University

• UNISA

Some FET (TVET) colleges also offer Mechatronic 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.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Mechatronics Technician and Geotechnician/Geotechnologist 

Is becoming a Mechatronics Engineer the right career choice for me?