General Engineer

Description:

A general engineer makes, fits and repairs parts for machines and related equipment used in places such as factories, farms, mining sites and oil refineries.

Tasks and Duties:

  • studies and interprets engineering drawings
  • decides on suitable materials and working methods
  • measures and marks out metals for cutting
  • sets and operates machines
  • cuts and shapes metals
  • checks work for accuracy
  • joins metal pieces by welding
  • repairs machines and their parts
  • carries out maintenance checks on machines
  • cleans and installs equipment and machinery

Skills:

General engineers need practical mechanical engineering and technical skills, and the ability to make calculations, interpret drawings and follow instructions. They should have an eye for detail and should be attentive to mechanical sounds. They also need good communication skills.

Knowledge:

General engineers must know about engineering drawings, metals, electronics, basic maths, and machines. They should also know about different welding processes, up-to-date methods, products and tools.

Personal Qualities:

General engineers should be practical and accurate, and able to make good judgements of how equipment is being used on production lines. They should be safety-conscious, patient and careful, and comfortable working in teams.

Physical Requirements:

General engineers need to be fit, healthy and strong, as heavy lifting may be required in some workplaces. They should also have good hand-eye co-ordination and steady hands.

Educational Requirements:

NCEA Level 1 in English, maths, science, graphics and workshop technology

Entry Requirements:

Preference may be given to those students who have successfully completed a relevant pre apprenticeship engineering course at a polytechnic.

A drivers license is generally required.

Useful Experience

Useful experience for a general engineer includes work using hand tools, and work with metals and machines.

Training on the job

General engineers gain skills on the job. They usually begin as apprentices, and study towards a NZ Certificate in General Engineering level 4.

Work Places

General engineers work in factories or workshops, oilrigs and mining sites.