INSTRUMENTAL WORK

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BECOME AN INSTRUMENT MECHANIC AS YOUR CAREER PATH?

To be honest, the reason I chose to follow this career path is because I got a good job opportunity. It isn’t easy to find work, so decided to take on the job.

WHAT TRAINING DID YOU UNDERGO AND WHERE? WAS IT THEORETICAL LEARNING OR HANDS-ON TRAINING?

I trained at the Sasol academy in the field of instrumentation. I did a learnership, which requires on-thejob learning supported by structured or institutional learning.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL DAY ON THE JOB AS AN INSTRUMENT MECHANIC

Each day follows the same procedure. Most of my time is spent analysing the various machines.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR WORK?

I really enjoy the fault finding aspect of my job. It’s like being a detective, but of machines.

WHAT DON’T YOU LIKE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I think the worst part of my job for me is getting into arguments. Sometimes when people have different opinions about what the problem is and how to fix it, it makes it difficult.

WHAT HURDLES HAVE YOU HAD TO OVERCOME OVER THE TIME YOU’VE BEEN WORKING?

I’ve had to overcome the stress of dealing with difficult people who don’t know how to communicate and resolve issues.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER AS AN INSTRUMENT MECHANIC TO DATE?

Following this career path has led to some very good job opportunities. Instrument artisans are scarce in South Africa, so the skills I’ve learnt are in high demand in the workplace.

DO YOU HAVE ANY GOALS FOR YOUR FUTURE IN THE WORK ENVIRONMENT?

My goal is always to excel on the job I’m currently doing – I want to be the best I can be. I also want to learn all the tricks of the trade, so I can become an invaluable member of my team.

IN YOUR LINE OF WORK IS EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS FORMAL TRAINING?

Yes, absolutely. Learning while gaining experience makes you much more employable.

IS THERE A TYPE OF PERSONALITY BEST SUITED TO THIS WORK, OR CERTAIN TRAITS ONE SHOULD HAVE (OR NOT HAVE)?

Yes, when you work in a team with people, you need to be professional and know how to communicate.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN YOUR CAREER?

I would advise them to learn how to be patient – it really pays.

DESCRIBE YOUR JOB IN THREE WORDS

Measure, control, process