Career field
Engineering Careers in South Africa
Engineering careers in South Africa are for people who want to plan, design, build and fix the things a country runs on — roads, bridges, dams, water pipes, power systems, machines and factories. This category covers fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineering, at three different levels of
qualification.
The big thing to know: "engineering" is not one job, it is three levels.
- Engineering technician — usually a 3-year Diploma (NQF level 6). Hands-on technical work.
- Engineering technologist — usually a 3-year Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BEngTech) (NQF level 7). Leads technical teams and applies proven methods.
- Engineer — a 4-year BEng or BSc (Eng) degree (NQF level 8). Designs new solutions and leads projects.
You can move up later. A diploma can lead on to a BEngTech, and a BEngTech can lead on to further engineering study.
All three levels register with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) under the Engineering Profession Act 46 of 2000. You start as a candidate while you train at work under a mentor. After at least three or four years of training (it depends on your route), and a Professional Review interview, you can apply to become a Professional Engineer, Professional Engineering Technologist or Professional Engineering Technician. Choose a programme that is accredited by ECSA, because that is what registration is built on.
At school, Mathematics and Physical Sciences are the key subjects. Maths Literacy is not accepted for engineering diplomas and degrees. Some diplomas and BEngTech degrees accept Technical Mathematics instead. Engineering Graphics and Design is a useful extra.
If you like working problems out logically, are comfortable with numbers and don't mind a mix of office and site work, engineering could be a great fit. Browse the engineering career profiles below for each role's study routes, school subjects, ECSA registration steps and published public-service salaries.
Engineering careers: 1–1 of 1
- Engineering
Civil engineers plan, design and build the roads, bridges, dams, pipes and buildings that South Africa runs on.
Registers with ECSA
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