International Women in Engineering Day 2021
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Women have slowly been making their mark and taking up space in a sector that was previously male dominated. According to the Stats SA 2013 gender report, “both years women were far less likely than men to work as artisans and operators” when comparing occupational distribution of women and men in 2001 and 2011. “According to labour data released for the second quarter of 2017. Women fill 44% of skilled posts‚ which includes managers‚ professionals and technicians” notes Statistics SA.
Having more women in STEM (Science, Tech, Engineering and Manufacturing), professional and leadership roles, will create more female role models for other aspiring engineers to look up to.
There are more opportunities for women in STEM, as organisations drive for more diversity and inclusion within in this sector. Today, as we celebrate women in engineering day 2021, we are highlighting some of the women working in the engineering space within CBI-electric: low voltage Elandsfontein. These women are making strides and are contributing in inspiring other women to be part of this exciting industry. With the right support and development women can have the confidence to actively contribute in this ever changing and diverse world of technology. We hope to raise the profile of these extraordinary women and encourage those who inspire to become engineers. The opportunities are there and it’s just a matter of grabbing them with both hands.
“If you’re passionate about something and you want to make a difference, I guarantee there’s a way to do that with engineering” Elizabeth Bierman
Who can study engineering
- To study engineering, you must have basic skills like mathematical skills, problem-solving, technical, and verbal reasoning skills. The fields range from computer science, data analytics, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, aeronautics, structural engineering, food technology, production technology and so on.
- Engineering is extremely practical
- Requires innovative and creative thinkers to solve real world problems
Reason to study engineering
- High demand
- Well-remunerated
- Creative, solve problems and explore how things work every day
- Employability – Engineers are constantly in high demand, so you'll enjoy fantastic graduate employment
- Degree recognition
Universities to study Engineering
- University of Pretoria
- University of Cape Town
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- University of Witwaterstrand
- University of South Africa
- Stellenbosch University
- University of Johannesburg
Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
Minimum requirements for Acceptance in to BEng
BENg Chemical Engineering
Chemical engineers are involved in industrial processes that convert raw materials into products with a higher economic value. This is achieved by means of physical, thermal, chemical, biochemical and mechanical changes and processes. Chemical engineers apply their specialised knowledge in the petroleum, food, minerals processing, power generation, and the paper and pulp industries, water and effluent treatment, as well as environmental engineering activities, including air pollution control. Like other engineering disciplines, chemical engineers are involved in research and development, techno-economic evaluation, equipment and plant design, process control and optimisation, construction, commissioning, operation and management as well as marketing and distribution of final products.
BEng Civil Engineering
Civil engineers design, build and maintain constructions such as tower blocks and skyscrapers, dams, canals and pipelines, roads, bridges, tunnels, railways, airports, power stations, towers, water works and outfall installations. They are involved in financial modelling, feasibility studies and the management and rehabilitation of large asset portfolios.
BEng Computer Engineering
Computer engineers are active in all fields of the information superhighway and the information and communication technology (ICT) world, which include computer systems, software engineering, computer and communications networks, wireless sensor networks, embedded software, electronics, smart control systems and automation, data security, e-commerce, pattern recognition (face and speech recognition), and artificial intelligence. They specialise in combining hardware, software and communication technologies to optimise system performance.
BEng Electronic Engineering
Electronic engineers are active in various fields, such as telecommunications (fixed networks, wireless, satellite, television, radar and radio frequency networks), entertainment and medicine (magnetic resonance imaging, X-rays, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, infrared tomography, electroencephalograms (EEGs), electrocardiograms (ECGs), rehabilitation engineering and biokinetics), integrated circuit design, bioengineering, military (vehicle electronics, smart bombs, night vision, laser systems), transport (e-tags, speed measuring, railway signalling, global positioning system (GPS) and mapping), “smart” dust, safety and security systems (face and speech recognition), banking (ATMs), commerce, robotics, education, environmental management, tourism and many more.
BEng Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers are active in the generation, storage, transmission, distribution and utilisation of electrical energy. There is a bright future in renewable energy. Electrical engineers design, supervise the construction, oversee the optimal operation and assure perfect and timely maintenance of all electrical installations for municipalities, residential areas, commercial buildings, factories, mines and industries. Rail transport, water pumping, electrical grids, telecommunications, energy management and smart lighting all fiall within the scope of electrical engineering.
BEng Industrial Engineering
Industrial engineers design, test, implement and manage a wide range of man/machine systems for the delivery of production and services. Organisational matters that require optimisation include site selection and layout of facilities, manufacturing, inventory control, materials handling, supply chain management, quality management, cost control, financial services, maintenance, reliability, computer simulation, information systems, human resources and business law.
BEng Mechanical Engineering
Mechanical and aeronautical engineers are concerned with power-generating machines and systems such as vehicles, ships, air-conditioners, pebble-bed nuclear reactors, aeroplanes, engines and turbines, robots and biomedical systems. Areas of specialisation include product design and manufacturing (such as design, testing and improvement of mechanical, electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems), marine engineering and naval architecture, biomedical engineering, air conditioning and refrigeration, aerospace systems and aircraft/missile engineering, vehicle engineering, maintenance engineering and energy management (gas and steam turbines, nuclear power reactors, petrol engines, cooling towers and renewable energy systems).
BEng Metallurgical Engineering
Metallurgical engineers unlock the riches of deposits of metal ores, coal and diamonds and optimise the manufacture of metal components. They work in plants where valuable minerals are recovered from ore, where metals are produced out of the minerals and where the metals are converted into useful materials, such as steel or aluminium. Careers include production engineers, plant managers, consultants, forensic engineers and researchers.
BEng Mining Engineering
Mining engineers have a wide range of opportunities, namely mining (mine management, technical management of ventilation, rock mechanics, rock breaking, mineral resources), financial evaluation and management (mine design, financial evaluation of mines, mine feasibility studies, mine environmental impact studies), mining and drilling contracting (mining, tunneling, shaft sinking, mine development, ore evaluation), mining research, mining equipment design and manufacture, mining marketing and mining administration at national, provincial and international levels.
Other Universities of technology offering Bachelor of engineering technology degrees
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Vaal University of Technology - Vanderbijlpark
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology: CPUT
- Central University of Technology - Bloemfontein
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
TVET Colleges offering Nated qualifications
National Accredited Technical Education Diploma (NATED) programmes are delivered under the auspices of the Department of Higher Education and Training. The programmes consist of 18 months theoretical studies at colleges and 18 months relevant practical application in work places. Engineering studies range from N1-N6
Colleges in Gauteng
- Central Johannesburg TVET college
- Ekurhuleni East TVET college
- Ekurhuleni West TVET college
- Sedibeng TVET college
- South West TVET college
- Tshwane North TVET college
- Tshwane south TVET college
- Western TVET college
NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: MECHANICAL N1 - N6
- Assistant Mechanical Engineer
- Auto Electrician
- Boilermaker
- Diesel Mechanic
- Fitter and Turner
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Motor Mechanic
- Sheetmetal Worker
- Tool Maker
- Welder
NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: CIVIL N1 - N6
- Construction Foreman
- Construction Supervisor
- Plumber
- Building Inspector
- Contractor
- Assistant Surveyor
NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: ELECTRICAL N1 - N6
- Electrician
- Electro-Technician
- Master Technician
- Millwright
- Electrical Fitter/Engineer
- Electrical Wireperson (Domestic Installation)
NATIONAL CERTIFICATE: CHEMICAL N1 - N6
- Chemical Engineering
- Environmental Protection
- Chemical Assistant
- Lab Assistant