Industrial Engineering Technologist Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Analyses and modifies new and existing industrial engineering technologies and applies them in the testing and implementation of industrial engineering projects.
What does a Industrial Engineering Technologist do?
An Industrial Engineering Technologist helps organisations improve how work is designed, tested and carried out. The role can involve analysing and modifying industrial engineering technologies, supporting the testing and implementation of projects, and contributing to areas such as manufacturing processes, logistics, operations research, quality management, safety engineering, supply chains and value improvement. This occupation is also identified as a green occupation.
Specialisations
How to become a Industrial Engineering Technologist in South Africa
- Build a strong foundation in Mathematics and practical problem-solving at school.
- Explore education and training related to industrial engineering technology, manufacturing, process design, logistics or operations research.
- Develop an understanding of how industrial engineering projects are tested and implemented in workplace settings.
- Seek opportunities to learn about manufacturing, quality, safety, supply-chain or process-improvement work.
- Confirm current qualification, provider, workplace and assessment requirements with SAQA, the relevant quality council, an accredited provider or prospective employers.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
There may be no single universal qualification pathway for this occupation. Relevant education and practical exposure can help prepare you for work involving industrial technologies, processes and projects, but the most suitable route depends on the area you want to enter, such as manufacturing, logistics, quality, safety, supply chain or process design. Verify current study and workplace expectations before enrolling.
Useful school subjects
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Computer Applications Technology
- Information Technology
- Engineering Graphics and Design
- Business Studies
Skills that may help
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Understanding and improving processes
- Project implementation
- Technology analysis
- Testing and evaluation
- Quality awareness
- Safety awareness ור supply-chain thinking