Industrial Engineer and Industrial Engineering Technician/Technologist

An industrial engineer’s task is to investigate, improve, design and implement integrated systems comprised of capital, human resources and natural resources. He/she makes use of a variety of engineering principles and techniques as well as industrial economics and management principles to design a system through which a desired economical and physical (e.g. production) result can be obtained.

The industrial engineering technician/technologist specialises in the design, investigation, improvement and implementation of integrated systems for optimal utilisation of capital, manpower and raw material. His/her objective is to ensure profitability by improving the production process.

Job Characteristics

Industrial Engineer

• Involvement in layout, organisation and work studies.



• Investigating the replacement of equipment and safety precautions.



• Determining the characteristics of operational equipment, low-cost automation and engaging in value analyses.



• Developing and implementing various industrial/manufacturing systems.



• Carrying out economic forecasting and feasibility studies to measure operational results in terms of a monetary standard.

 Industrial Engineering Technician/Technologist

• Occupying him/herself with problems concerning the effective utilization of personnel, material, equipment and capital in the production of goods and services by performing both engineering and administrative duties.



• Planning the layout of machinery and equipment as well as the flow of work.



• Acting as coordinator between management and specialist departments and making recommendations to management.

Requirements

Secondary Education
Possession of a HIGCSE Grade 12, or equivalent qualification (above average marks), with matriculation exemption is needed to study at 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 industrial engineering technician/technologist).

Compulsory subjects
Mathematics and Physical Science on HIGCSE level (South Africa)

Tertiary Education
A four-year B. Eng. or B. Sc. (Industrial Engineering) degree course can be pursued at most South African universities (e.g. Stellenbosch, Witwatersrand, Pretoria). After a minimum training period of three years candidates can register with the Engineering Council of Namibia as professional engineers.

A N. Dip.: Industrial Engineering can be followed at numerous South African technikons (e.g. Witwatersrand, Vaal Triangle, Cape, Port Elizabeth). Since 1995 technikons also offer the B. Tech. Engineering: Industrial, which is an extra year of study after the N. Dip.: Engineering has been obtained.

Thereafter he/she has to work as engineering-technician-in-training for at least three years to be able to register as engineering technician/technologist with the Engineering Council of Namibia. A B.Tech. qualification allows for registration as incorporated engineer with the Engineering Council of Namibia.
No formal training is currently offered in Namibia.

Personality
Prospective candidates should be innovative, creative and have an above average aptitude in Mathematics and Physical Science. The ability to think logically and the maintenance of sound interpersonal skills are also very important. They should be adaptable, have perseverance and be able to accept responsibility.

Work Opportunities
Industrial engineers and industrial engineering technicians/technologists are employed in the manufacturing, agricultural and mining sectors. They can also work as consultants for various organisations.

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