INSTITUTIONS OFFERING MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT IS MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY AND WHO IS A MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGIST?
Mechanical technology can be defined as the application of engineering principles and technology to create useful products and machinery that is used in production. In another way, you can define it as the technology of putting together mechanical parts to produce and control motion. What this means is that mechanical technology deals with bringing different mechanical parts so that the machines that are made are able to produce a wide range of movements and that the movements of these machines are well controlled. A mechanical technologist is someone, using his/her knowledge of mechanics, puts together mechanical parts so that he/she builds something that produces an intentional and controlled movement.
WHERE DO MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGISTS WORK?
Mechanical technologists work in places that require usage of machines that have moving parts. These places include plants and factories examples of which are Trade Kings, Zambian Breweries, Mansa Sugar, Lafarge Zambia, Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia, etc. Other industries that employ mechanical technologists include the Mining industry, Electricity Production and Distribution companies, City councils, Government, Railway Systems of Zambia and other companies. Mechanical technologists may also work hand in hand with mechanical engineers in Mechanical Engineering Consultancy Firms.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
Tasks done at work by mechanical technologists mostly involve repair and maintenance of machinery that has moving parts. The specific machinery that they work on depends on the industry where one works. Examples of machinery with moving parts that are used in various industries include conveyor belts, elevators and lifts, commercial and industrial printers, cranes etc. They are expected to find out what is wrong with a system that is not working well and make adjustments or repairs. Mechanical technologists are also expected to find innovative ways of increasing the productivity of their company that are both energy and time efficient.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGIST?
The usual work schedule is from 08:00hrs to 17:00hrs, Monday to Friday. However, some companies and industries are open in the night and/or over the weekend. In such cases, the mechanical technologist may be required to work night shifts or on weekends.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
Mechanical technology is best suited for individuals who like to do hands-on work, and repairing things. They should also have an interest in mathematics, physics and technology because the program is grounded these sciences. A background in technical drawing or geometrical and mechanical drawing may be helpful in pursuing this program.
INSTITUTIONS OFFERING MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
The courses that you will mostly likely take during your learning period are workshop practice, workshop processes, engineering drawing, applied mechanics, materials and metallurgy, applied thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, instrumentation and control, design project, management and organisation, communication skills, strength of materials, theory of machines, mathematics and entrepreneurship.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
The entry requirements at diploma and craft level are five ‘O’ level credits including Mathematics, English, Science and any other two subjects. The minimum entry requirement at Trade-test level is a grade 9 certificate.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
In Zambia the highest qualification that is offered in the field of mechanical technology is a diploma. You can advance your qualifications by studying for a degree in mechanical engineering. This allows for greater career advancement and also increases the job prospects.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY
NORTHERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Programme duration: 2 years 8 months (Adv. Certificate) / 3 years 4 months (Diploma)
Mode of study: Full-Time and Distance Learning
Admitting school: Department of Mechanical Engineering
Intakes: January, May and September for Full-Time, and April and August for Distance Learning
Location: Ndola
Contacts
Tel: +260 212 671699/ +260 977 555467/ +260 977 321447
E-mail: principal@nortec.edu.zm
Website: www.nortec.edu.zm/?page_id=135
MUFULIRA TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
Programme duration: 2 years (Craft Certificate) / 2 years 8 months (Adv. Certificate)
Intakes: January, May and September
Location: Mufulira
Contacts
Tel: +260 977 135566 / +260 955 759576