Tractor and agricultural machinery mechanics maintain, repair and overhaul farm machinery, equipment and vehicles such as tractors, harvesters, pumps, ploughs, planters and irrigation apparatus.
Apart from listening to and visual inspection of the equipment, these mechanics use electronic equipment to trace problems.
Tractor and agricultural machinery mechanics dismantle defective units and repair or replace parts using various tools. They reassemble, adjust and lubricate these parts to ensure that they operate efficiently. They install and repair farm irrigation systems and maintain farm electrical systems.
These mechanics need to be able to work with both petrol and diesel engines and may occasionally have to do welding. They often have to work very quickly since farmers cannot afford to have important machinery out of order for long.
Satisfying Aspects
- variety of work settings and tasks
- working without supervision
- being able to solve problems
Demanding aspects
- sometimes having to work outside in the fields during bad weather
- possibility of injury on the job
- having to lift heavy components
- coming into contact with dirt, petrol, diesel, grease and rust
- sometimes having to travel long distances to make emergency repairs
Requirements
A tractor and agricultural machinery mechanic 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 10 Certificate.
Some employers prefer higher qualifications.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mechanical Technology, Electrical Technology: Engineeering and Graphic Design, Mathematics, Physical Sciences
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
- Service departments of farm machine dealers, wholesalers and manufacturers
- Independent repair and maintenance workshops
- Repair and maintenance shops on large farms
- Self-employment, with enough experience, can practise this trade on a private basis or start own business
Contact
MERSETA
3rd Floor, Block B
Metropolitan Park,
8 Hillside Road,
Parktown, 2001
Tel: (011) 551-5202 Fax: 0866 730017
www.merseta.org.za