Electronic Engineer and Electronic   Engineer Technician

An electronic engineer deals with the reception, assimilation, control, transmission and distribution of electronic information. The electronic engineering technician is concerned with the maintenance of advanced electronic equipment and control systems.

Job Characteristics
       
Electronic Engineer

• Using computers to solve complicated problems and to assimilate signals.



• Developing and maintaining sophisticated equipment for the transference of information via international information conductors (telephone lines, video phones, Internet connections).



• Developing and maintaining sophisticated equipment for the distribution of information via mass media, such as television and radio.



• Design of communication systems, e.g. radios, telephones, television sets.



• Researching and working on highly specialised programmes concerning, for example, infrared technology, satellite transmission technology, fibre optic.



• Monitoring and controlling of electronic safety devices for plant and transport.

Requirements
 
Secondary Education
Possession of a HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, with matriculation exemption and above average marks is required to gain admission to South African universities (in order to register as professional engineer.) A HIGCSE or outstanding IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, is required for admittance to South African technikons (for those pursuing a career as electronic engineering technician). This diploma leads to the B. Tech. degree in electronic engineering.

  The B. Sc. (Eng.) degree can be studied at UNAM as a five-year programme for IGCSE entrants or four years for HIGCSE entrants, with appropriate passes. The first two years are spent at this university and the rest of the years at selected universities in Southern African.

A HIGCSE/IGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification, 25 points on the Polytechnic’s point evaluation scale, as well as 18 points on the engineering evaluation scale, is required for admittance to N. Dip.: Electronic Engineering as offered by the Polytechnic.

Currently, admittance to that course can also be gained if the candidate has passed at least four subjects on N3 level, including Mathematics and a Physics-related subject (40%). In both cases, at the Polytechnic, the person must also gain entrance into the English Communication module 2 through a proficiency test.

Compulsory subjects
Mathematics and Physical Science (South Africa)
Mathematics (at least a C-symbol on IGCSE level) and 3 other subjects with a C-symbol (UNAM)
Mathematics and a Physics-related subject (Polytechnic)

Tertiary Education
A four-year B. Eng. (Electronic Engineering) degree can be pursued at most South African universities. After a minimum training period of three years candidates can register with the Engineering Council of Namibia as professional engineers.

  A three-year N. Dip. (or four-year B. Tech.) in Electronic Engineering can be pursued at most South African technikons allowing for registration as engineering technician. The Polytechnic also offers a N. Dip.: Electronic Engineering, where students engage in four semesters of theoretical training and two semesters of in-service training.

After passing one year theoretical training (S1 and S2) plus one year practical training in the industry (P1 and P2), via the technikon route, the candidate obtains the National Certificate. After another six months of theoretical training (S3) he/she obtains the National Higher Certificate. If followed by another six months theoretical (S4) training the candidate obtains the N. Dip.: Electronic Engineering.

Thereafter he/she has to work as engineering-technician-in-training for at least three years to be able to register as engineering technician with the Engineering Council of Namibia. A B.Tech.

qualification allows for registration as incorporated engineer with the Engineering Council of Namibia. Persons having obtained the National Certificate or Higher National Certificate can also register with that council but after a longer period of in-service training. The same is true of people possessing a N6 in Electronic Engineering.

Personality
Prospective candidates should be innovative, creative and have an above average aptitude in Mathematics and Physical Science. The ability to think logically is also very important. A practical inclination is especially necessary for the electronic engineering technician.

Work Opportunities
Electronic engineers and electronic engineering technicians can be employed at government and semi-governmental institutions, municipalities, mining companies, communications companies, manufacturers and retailers of electronic implements and workshops. Work prospects seem to be good. Self-employment seems like a viable option.

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