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30th September, 2008
ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN
An engineering technician is a person who has relatively practical understanding of the general theoretical principles of the specific branch of engineering in which they work.
Although it may be possible to qualify for certain engineering technician jobs without formal training, most employers prefer to hire someone with at least a diploma in engineering technology. Prospective engineering technicians should take as many high school science and math courses as possible to prepare for programmes in engineering technology after high school.
SO, WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE WORK ENTAIL?
Engineering technicians solve technical problems. Their work is more narrowly focused and application-oriented than that of scientists and engineers.
Some help engineers and scientists do research and development. They build or set up equipment. They prepare and conduct experiments. They collect data and calculate results. They might also help to make a model of new equipment. Some technicians work in quality control. They check products, do tests, and collect data. In manufacturing, they help to design and develop products. They also find ways to produce things efficiently. They also assist in design work, often using computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) equipment.
Most engineering technicians specialize in learning skills and working in the same disciplines as engineers.
Chemical engineering technicians help chemical engineers design equipment and processes for large-scale chemical manufacturing, plan and test methods of manufacturing products and treating byproducts, and supervise production. They work in a variety of manufacturing industries other than chemical manufacturing, such as those producing energy, electronics, food, clothing, paper, health care, biotechnology, and business services.
Civil engineering technicians help civil engineers plan and oversee the building of highways, buildings, bridges, dams, wastewater treatment systems, and other structures and do related research. Other job responsibilities include estimating construction costs, specifying materials to be used, preparing drawings or perform land-surveying duties, and setting up and monitoring instruments used to study traffic conditions.
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help design, develop, test, and manufacture electrical and electronic equipment such as communication equipment; radar, industrial, and medical monitoring or control devices; navigational equipment; and computers. Their job may include product evaluation and testing, the use of measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment.
Mechanical engineering technicians help engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture industrial machinery, consumer products, and other equipment. Other job responsibilities may include assisting in product tests, making sketches and rough layouts, recording and analyzing data, making calculations and estimates, and reporting on their findings.
EMPLOYMENT AND PLACES OF WORK
Most engineering technicians work 40 hours a week. Their work place is dependent on their area of specialization and ranges from laboratories, offices, manufacturing or industrial plants, or construction sites. Some jobs require outdoor work, on-site work and extensive travelling. Some may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals, or toxic materials.
AREAS COVERED BY PROGRAMMES
Those interested in a career as an engineering technician can pursue a diploma in engineering according to the specialization they are interested in. Typically, a diploma course takes 2 1⁄2 years to complete. Upon completion, most diplomas will be able to offer students an advanced standing for a degree in an engineering programme.
The course content depends on the area of specialization but students can expect to learn a lot of principles, theories and applications of science, engineering, and mathematics to solve technical problems.
Students applying for a course in engineering should have a strong background in science and mathematical subjects.
Disclaimer: The articles are for New Sabah Times to be published in the monthly Education Supplement only. While articles in this Education Supplement was correct at the time of its publication, Webway E Services Sdn. Bhd. reserves the right to alter this article should the need arise.
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