Scroll to the bottom for a list of Institutions that offer Heavy Equipment Repair
WHAT IS HEAVY EQUIPMENT REPAIR AND WHO IS A HEAVY EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN?
This program is also known as heavy-duty equipment mechanics. It is a branch of mechanics that specialises in working with heavy machinery used in construction, farming, and railway transport. They work with big engines, inspecting, servicing and repairing any damage to the engine or vehicle. It is similar to automotive mechanics in many ways, the major difference in these two fields is that in heavy equipment repair the mechanic deals with very big machines with big engines while an auto mechanic only looks at small vehicles. A person who therefore is skilled in heavy equipment repair can be called a heavy equipment technician or mechanic.
WHERE DO HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANICS WORK?
Heavy equipment mechanics work in places where you find heavy equipment. Heavy equipment can be defined as heavy duty vehicles which are designed for doing construction tasks especially work that involves moving very heavy things such as rocks. Examples of these heavy machines include cranes, graders and bulldozers. Therefore, heavy equipment mechanics work in places with heavy equipment dealers, servicing companies and companies that own and operate heavy equipment. The places that make use of these machines include mines, railway systems and companies, commercial farms, construction companies etc., and this is where you find jobs for heavy equipment mechanics.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
The tasks involved at work include the inspection of the machines so that they perform well and also to inspect for machines that may have problems. They investigate and look for the problems using testing equipment to determine the problem and how big the problem is. After finding the problem, they make adjustments to the machine and repair or replace parts, components or the whole system using hand or power tools. They also test the machines to ensure that they have been fixed well. They clean, lubricate and perform maintenance of the equipment especially on the engine and other moving parts such as the moving part of a crane.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC?
The work schedule of a mechanic depends on where they work. Some companies may want to have a mechanic in the night because the company may operate in the night. But generally, there are no shifts in this job and the mechanics are usually called in if something goes wrong with the machines.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
As stated above, the heavy equipment mechanics work in places where you can find the heavy machines working. In our case, the mines e.g. Kalumbila and Mopani copper mines and First Quantum minerals and small scale mining companies form part of the job market. Companies that have these machines (mobile cranes, self-loading trucks and forklifts etc.) for hire such as ECSTAL plant hire and Kings heavy machinery also employ them. The mechanics are also employed in commercial farms where their services are needed for the maintenance and repair of farm heavy machinery. The government through the city councils that have these machines such as graders also employs heavy equipment mechanics.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
The job of a heavy equipment mechanic is hands on and therefore on needs to be comfortable with working with their hands. One needs to have interest in physics, mathematics and technical drawing for the schooling in this program to be even more interesting and easier.
Scroll to the bottom for a list of institutions that offer Heavy Equipment Repair
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
In the studying of heavy equipment the subjects that are taught include earth moving equipment technology, engineering science, engineering mathematics, engineering drawing, communication skills, workshop practice and workshop process and management.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
The entry requirements for heavy equipment repair at diploma, technician and craft level are a full grade 12 certificate with five ‘O’ level credits in subjects including Mathematics, English, Science. Entry requirements at the Trade-test level is a grade 9 or grade 7 certificate.
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A HEAVY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC?
One has to study heavy equipment repair for them to be a heavy equipment mechanic or technician. But, an automotive mechanic can be skilled in a particular part of the heavy machines so that they have multiple skills that increase the chances of being employed. These courses are called bridging courses and one does a 6 months course (like at Northern Technical College, NORTEC) in a specific area like heavy duty engines, earth moving equipment braking systems, earth moving equipment transmission system. This bridging course requires that one has a certificate in automotive mechanics.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
Further studies in this program are available in other countries but at the time of compiling this, there is no school in Zambia that offers a degree or a masters programs specifically for heavy equipment repair.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER HEAVY EQUIPMENT REPAIR
NORTHERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Programme duration: 2 years 8 months (Adv. certificate) / 3 years 3 months (Diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: Faculty of Heavy Equipment Repairs
Intakes: January, May and September
Location: Ndola
Contacts
Tel: +260 212 671699 / +260 977 555467 / +260 963 916901
E-mail: principal@nortec.edu.zm
Website: www.nortec.edu.zm
KITWE VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE
Programme duration: 2 years (Craft Certificate) / 1 year (Trade-test certificate)
Mode of study: Full-time and Part-time
Intakes: January, May and September
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 954 478315 or +260 212 261509
E-mail: kvtcmb@yahoo.com
Website: Kitwe Vocational Training Center
LIVINGSTONE INSTITUTE OF BUSINESS AND ENGINEERING STUDIES
Programme duration: 2 years (Craft certificate / Adv. certificate)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time
Intakes: January, May and September
Location: Livingstone
Contacts
Tel: +260 967 957051 / +260 979 636904
E-mail: libes@libescollege.edu.zm
Website: www.libescollege.edu.zm
LUANSHYA TECHNICAL AND BUSINESS COLLEGE
Programme duration: 2 years (Craft Certificate) / 1 year (Trade-test certificate)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Intakes: January, May and September
Location: Luanshya
Contacts
Tel: +260 966 814941
E-mail: info@ltbc.edu.zm
Website: www.ltbc.edu.zm/
LUSAKA BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL COLLEGE
Programme duration: 1 year (Trade-test) / 2 years (Craft Certificate) / 2 years 8 months (Adv. Certificate) / 3 years 3 months (Diploma)
Mode of study: Full-Time
Intakes: January, May and September
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 971 528420/ +260 953 260223
E-mail: marketing@lbtc.ac.zm
Website: www.lbtc.ac.zm
SOLWEZI TRADES TRAINING INSTITUTE
Programme duration: 1 year (Trade-test) and 2 years (Craft Certificate)
Mode of study: Full-Time
Intakes: January, May and September
Location: Solwezi
Contacts
Tel: +260 979 595647 / +260 968 506773 / +260 968 781983
Facebook: Solwezi Trades Training Institute Info Corner
MUFULIRA TECHNICAL TRAINING INSTITUTE
Programme duration: 2 years (Craft Certificate), and 2 years 8 months (Adv. Certificate)
Intakes: January, May and September
Location: Mufulira
Contacts
Tel: +260 977 135566/ +260 955759576