Diesel fitters are responsible for the repair and maintenance of diesel engines. These include engines on trucks, tractors, earth-moving machinery, pumps, oil rigs and marine engines.
Diesel fitters detect faults and damage in diesel engines and fuel injection systems. They measure the parts to ascertain the extent of the damage and wear and tear and then repair or replace the parts. Much of the work requires meticulous adherence to standards and specifications and all vehicles are thoroughly tested before being returned to the owner.
Diesel fitters are required to use complex measuring equipment such as micrometers, tachometers, and dynamometers. They use hand tools such as spanners, torque wrenches and specialized testing equipment, and fuel injection equipment that has to be kept in a sealed, dust free room.
Diesel fitters work mostly in workshops and sometimes outdoors. The work can be rather dirty and noisy at times.
Satisfying Aspects
- variety of work tasks
- working with your hands
- the challenge of diagnosing and solving problems
- the opportunity to specialize
Demanding aspects
- the possibility of injury or accidents on the job
- working in awkward or cramped positions
- having to work in dirty, noisy workshops
- dealing with impatient, critical or rude customers
Requirements
A diesel fitter should:
- be at least 16 years old;
- have mechanical aptitude;
- be able to work independently;
- have problem-solving ability;
- be meticulously accurate and careful;
- have manual dexterity;
- have good hearing and vision;
- have physical strength and stamina to be able to work with heavy machinery and components.
School Subjects
Grade 9 Certificate.
Some employers prefer higher qualifications.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Mechanical Technology
Training
There are three ways to qualify as a registered artisan:
1. An apprenticeship is a 4-year contract between company and apprentice, comprising a 12-week theoretical training, which includes 4 subjects at national exam level.
2. A learnership is a structured learning programme that leads to a qualification in a certain field. The learnership programme includes a theoretical and a practical component. It usually takes about a year to complete. The training takes place on-site (on the premises of the organisation). This has the advantage that the learner gets on-the-job experience whilst training.
3. FET colleges offer theoretical training to prospective artisans via the new National Certificate Vocational (NCV). During this 3-year programme (levels 2 to 4), learners complete a school-leaving certificate (this NCV) similar to the
new National Senior Certificate (NSC) in schools. They are also exposed to a practical workshop component.
All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan. As an alternative to doing the full qualification, a learner can apply to do a skills programme at a FET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.
For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest FET College. FET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MERSETA or CHIETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme.
Learners must all receive training in occupational safety and first aid, fire-fighting and preventative security measures. Learners study everything about the installation, maintenance and repair of all electrical equipment. They must also become familiar with municipal legislation relevant to electricity supply and consumption.
Employer
- Transnet
- Mittal Steel
- Municipalities
- Tractor and agricultural apparatus manufacturers
- Service stations of new and used vehicles and tractor dealers
- Independent repair shops
- Vehicle service stations
- Vehicle parts wholesalers and distributors
- Bus and transport companies
- Organisations that maintain their own vehicles
- Government departments
- Self-employment, with enough experience and capital, can start own business
Contact
The Steel & Engineering Industries Federation
of South Africa (SEIFSA)
P O Box 1338
Johannesburg, 2000
Tel: (011) 298-9400 Fax: (011) 298-9500
www.seifsa.co.za