What is Engineering?

The discipline of engineering can essentially be defined by the application of science, engineering science and technology for the purposes of solving economic problems, and to ultimately advance society. To perform their tasks, Engineers need to possess a firm understanding of science, maths, as well as be familiar with worldwide engineering knowledge bases.

Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgy

Competency in a mechanical engineering career requires an in-depth understanding of the core areas of: mechanics, dynamics, thermodynamics, materials science, structural analysis, and electricity; where one would then either design, analyse, manufacture, and/or maintain mechanical systems. A profession in engineering will, more often than not, offer a formidable, yet enriching, career in both Private and Public Sectors. Job designations vary, from Production Foremen, Area Superintendents, Line Managers, and others, within several branches of: Heavy, Light, and General types of industries. When it comes to metallurgy, many opportunities exist at primary producers of both ferrous and non-ferrous metals, as well as in the manufacturing industry. Non-ferrous metals include aluminum, copper, lead, zinc, and tin, as well as precious metals like gold and silver, whereas ferrous metals refer to any metal that contains iron.

The Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA)

It’s worth noting that ECSA has been set in place, whose core functions comprise: the accreditation of engineering programmes, registration of professionals, as well as the regulation of the practice of those registered with the regulatory body. ECSA also audits all the engineering programmes offered at the Vaal University of Technology every four years, for example. ECSA awards an accreditation status to each programme that meets the standard for the award of the qualification. The standards are designed to meet the educational requirement for registration as a Candidate or Professional Engineering Technician with ECSA. The latter includes acceptance as a Candidate to write the examinations for Certificated Engineers (i.e., a Diploma in Engineering) as well as the educational base required for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist, and/or Certificated Engineer with ECSA, for the Advanced Diploma in Engineering Programmes.