Engineering is a profitable field where individuals can build successful careers. Interested? Here are some tips on how to get your hands on an engineering qualification.
The engineering industry has many career opportunities for skilled graduates. If you are wanting to pursue the career of an engineer, it is best to explore your qualification options first. Doing some research on the market is critical to your success. It will assist you in making some smart decisions on your journey to become a qualified engineer.
In South Africa, engineering is a prosperous field with multiple opportunities for career growth. That’s right, this is an awesome sector to be in as a graduate. Ready to find out what it takes? Let’s take a look:
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What Skills Do You Need to Develop As An Engineer?
If engineering is sounding better by the second, then it’s time to see if you’ve got what it takes. And don’t worry: If you’re lacking some skills, all is not lost! There’s always a way to pick up a skill or two.
If you’re wondering what skills you should be working on, be sure to take a look at the full skill set of an engineer below:
- STEM Skills (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths)
- Technical competence
- Computer modelling
- Attention to detail
- Analytical skills
- Leadership and management skills
- Communication skills
- The ability to work in a team
- Creative thinking
- Problem-solving
How Much Do Qualified Engineers Get Paid?
Engineering companies are said to offer some of the best salaries to graduates. In fact, these companies offer young graduates more than other industries, coming in the top 5 highest paying jobs for graduates. Graduates have a variety of career opportunities in this field, which you can view below:
Degree
Salary Expectation
Average salary: R31,357 a month.
Average starting salary:
R10,621 a month.
Average starting salary:
R27,339 a month.
Average starting salary:
R18,626 a month.
Average starting salary: R24,090 a month.
Average starting salary:
R34,538 a month.
Average starting salary:
R43,459 a month.
Average starting salary:
R34,938 a month.
What Qualities Do You Need to Develop As An Engineer?
At this point, you might be wondering what qualities an engineer should have to do well in this field. Well, a person in this profession must be innovative and possess good analytical and communication skills. It is obviously also important for individuals to possess good engineering skills to excel in this field.
Whether it is technical, mechanical, industrial or another type of engineering, this is a field that offers solutions to many problems and it simplifies technical processes in various industries. Sounds intense but it is worth it.
The skills you gain during your engineering course are skills that are in demand. For example, Civil and Structural Engineer roles are ranked among the top scarce skills list in the country. This means that if you decide to get a job within these fields, you will be well sought-after and will have little difficulty in finding a suitable career.
What are Your Career Prospects in Engineering?
Not only do engineering graduates have great career benefits, they also contribute to making the world a better place.
The career of an engineer is evolving with technology and the key players in the industry are focused on growing the new expertise that is required. Industry players are creating jobs that are driven by data intelligence. Brand-new engineering industries are even emerging through technology.
What is the Level of Demand for Engineers in South Africa?
Engineering graduates have a diverse range of opportunities as the sector is always looking for skilled professionals. The industry is hungry for expertise and looking to hire graduates to work in the different sectors of this field.
In-demand engineers that employers in South Africa are looking for include, but are not limited to:
- Electrician
- Fitter and turner
- Motor mechanic
- Millwright and boilermaker
- Engineering technologist
Get Into a University of Technology with an Engineering Bridging Course
The lack of skilled individuals in engineering presents an opportunity for you to develop yourself and get some career-relevant skills. This is your chance!
If you think it’s not possible for you to become an engineer, or potentially too late, think again. Anyone can do a bridging course and it is an important first step towards a higher education in this field. A National N4 Certificate (Engineering Studies) at Damelin College gives you access to a University of Technology of your choice where you can pursue further studies.
What can you Expect from a Bridging Course?
A bridging course is an access programme that gives you a foundation in engineering science and allows you to gain academic points. These points will give you access to any university of technology to further your studies. The one-year course can be pursued as a full-time or part-time course. All you need to register for this course is an N3 National Certificate, Senior Certificate or National Senior Certificate (NSC) with Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy.
How Damelin Provides Support and Guidance throughout the Course?
Damelin College has an online student portal that is there to assist students with their needs. This is where students can access their learning material and additional information.
After completing a certificate at Damelin, you can apply for a National Diploma programme at the school of Science and Technology. This qualification is nationally recognised in the industry and you can take your education to the next level after completion. More good news: you can pursue this engineering course as a full-time or part-time student.
Graduates who have completed all higher learning education in engineering gain creative problem-solving skills that are required in the field. They then have access to enter the engineering industry with broadened work opportunities.
Fund Your Engineering Course With Fundi
After reading this article, you may have decided that a career in engineering is the right choice for you. This is great news! However, the only thing that may be standing in your way is funding. If that’s the case, don’t worry, Fundi is here to help.
Fundi offers study loans that cover a whole range of educational costs—including tuition fees, textbooks, study devices and more!
Find out if you qualify for a study loan by using the Fundi Loan Calculator and turn your dreams of becoming an engineer into a reality.
