Manufacturing Production Technicians Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Sets up, tests, and adjusts manufacturing machinery or equipment, using any combination of electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, or computer technologies.
What does a Manufacturing Production Technicians do?
Manufacturing Production Technicians prepare manufacturing machinery and equipment for production by setting it up, testing its operation and making adjustments. The work can involve electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and computer technologies, depending on the equipment used.
How to become a Manufacturing Production Technicians in South Africa
- Learn about manufacturing machinery and the different technologies used in production environments.
- Strengthen relevant school knowledge, particularly Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Mechanical Technology, Electrical Technology, Computer Applications Technology and Information Technology.
- Consider the National Certificate: Metals Production: Manufacturing and Engineering (SAQA ID 65189, NQF Level 2, 120 credits) as a relevant training pathway.
- Confirm the qualification’s current status, provider availability and assessment arrangements with SAQA or an appropriate accredited provider.
- Seek practical exposure to setting up, testing and adjusting manufacturing equipment in a suitable production environment.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
The National Certificate: Metals Production: Manufacturing and Engineering is a relevant direct training pathway for this occupation, but it should not be treated as a universal mandatory requirement. Before enrolling, verify current qualification and provider details with SAQA or an accredited provider. Preparation should focus on understanding how electrical, electronic, mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic and computer technologies are used in manufacturing equipment.
Useful school subjects
- Mathematics
- Physical Sciences
- Mechanical Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Computer Applications Technology
- Information Technology
Skills that may help
- Setting up manufacturing machinery and equipment
- Testing machinery and equipment
- Adjusting machinery and equipment
- Working with electrical and electronic technologies
- Working with mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- Using computer technologies in manufacturing equipment