WHAT IS MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AND WHO IS A MECHANICAL ENGINEER?
Mechanical engineering concerns itself with the design, construction and use of mechanical devices. This covers a broad range of machines such as internal combustion engines, industrial equipment and manufacturing plants. The Mechanical engineer is a skilled, practical engineer with the knowledge of machine design who will have opportunity to work in a mining sector, manufacturing plants, cements plants etc. both locally and abroad.
WHERE DO MECHANICAL ENGINEERS WORK?
Mechanical Engineers work in a variety of places and locations among them are; Manufacturing companies such as Zambia Sugar, Mining sector (Mopani, KCM, Lumwana, First Quantum, Lubambe), Utility companies, where construction works are involved e.g. dams, City councils etc. They can work in repair or big generators, repair of massive water pumps as well as design and installation of massive conveyor belts etc.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
Mechanical Engineers perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment that make work easy in any industry. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems. They also read and interpret blueprints, technical drawings, schematics, or computer-generated reports for the sake of implementing such blueprints to assemble, repair or operate such machines.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A MECHANICAL ENGINEER?
On a daily basis, Mechanical Engineers confer with other personnel to implement operating procedures, resolve system malfunctions, or provide technical information. Such as supervision of production workers, technicians, technologists, or other engineers. This means that they work typical 08hrs to 17hrs depending on the requirements of the organisations they work for, or they can work in shifts i.e. day shift, night shift etc. depending on the organisational requirements.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
Graduates are likely to be employed in the Mining industry, Electricity production and distribution companies, city councils, Zambia sugar, Government, Railway systems of Zambia and other Companies.
SALARY RANGES AND WHAT CONTROLS IT.
Salary range for a person working in Zambia as a Mechanical Engineer is typically from 5200 ZMK (minimum) to 10300 ZMK (highest average). However, the figure rises with experience and/or academic qualifications, the position in the company one is working for and the type of organisation one is working for i.e. private cooperation or government department.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
One who aspires to study Mechanical Engineering must tend to like working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. Apart from that, he/she should be willing and able to search for facts and figuring out problems mentally. An aspirant must also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. One needs to be able to learn computer based software in order to carry out their day to day design and monitoring duties.
WHERE CAN I STUDY MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, FOR HOW LONG, TO EARN WHAT QUALIFICATION?
In Zambia, a person who wishes to study Mechanical Engineering (degree level) can apply to the following institutions; UNZA, CBU and Gideon Robert University (Lusaka) all for a period of five (5) years.
Diploma is currently offered at Northern Technical College (NORTEC). 3 years 4 months (7 terms in college, 2 terms in industry).
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
Students studying Mechanical engineering cover a wide range of topics which include: Engineering Mathematics, Material Science , Mechanical Engineering Design, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Theory of Machines & Vibrations, Mechanics of Materials, Modelling And Analysis of Engineering Systems, Heat Engines, Design and Manufacturing Processes, Group projects, modelling and simulation, Machine Design, Numerical Computing and Statistics, individual project, Management Studies, Dynamics and Control Engineering, Renewable Energy, Refrigeration & Air Conditioning, Heat and Mass Transfer, Turbo Machinery, Vehicle Engineering, Tribology.
WHAT MODES OF STUDY ARE AVAILABLE?
The program is offered on a full-time basis.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
In the case of CBU, students are normally enrolled and admitted to the School of Mathematics and Natural Sciences for their first year; where they do their Advanced Level Sciences. They go to the School of Engineering in their second year based on their performance. At this stage they do Fundamental Engineering Sciences at the end of which they get streamlined in the three Departments of the School – at third year. The Diploma students on the other hand, are enrolled directly to the School.
DIPLOMA
At least credits in Mathematics and English Language and any one science subject from: Science, Physical Science, Physics, Chemistry
Any two subjects from: Additional Mathematics, Biology, Economics/Principles of Accounts/Commerce, History, Literature in English, Art, Geometrical and Mechanical, Geography, A language other than English, Religious Knowledge
DEGREE
A candidate must have obtained at least five credits (or better – as is usually the case) in subjects in the Zambia School Certificate (or equivalent) as follows:
Group A: English, Mathematics and Science (OR either Physics or Chemistry) – three compulsory subjects
Group B: Any other two Subjects
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A MECHANICAL ENGINEER?
A person with qualifications such as; a Mechanical technician, Mechanical fitting Craft, Mechanical Draughting technician and other technologists and crafts men can easily upgrade to Mechanical Engineering. To work as a mechanical engineer, one needs to study mechanical engineering.
WHAT IS THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
Masters in mechanical engineering are interdisciplinary degrees that teach students how to design or improve mechanical and thermal devices using analysis and computer aided design.
Several masters and PhD programs can be attained when a person with a degree qualification wishes to further their studies. Some advanced studies are; MEng in design and development for mechanical and automotive engineering, M.S. and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, master of science in water resources, masters applied mechanics etc. To be an effective mechanical engineer one will have to stay in touch with the latest industry trends and developments therefore continuous personal development is required through taking up of short courses or self-study programs for personal improvement.