Careers

An architectural stone mason generally works in the commercial sector, cutting to shape all natural stones (granite, limestone, sandstone and marble) by hand or with Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines. There is a direct relationship between the nature and quality of the product required and the payment made by the customer. Therefore the stonemason has the responsibility to work professionally in order to meet the requirements of the customer and thus maintain and grow the business. The architectural stonemason works on heritage sites and in workshops. The work will range from basic places of worship to massive Gothic cathedrals, from simple but significant buildings to the grand architectural and secular commercial and municipal buildings that define a country’s heritage.

An aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) is responsible for ensuring an aircraft operates properly and safely and checks that maintenance work on the aircraft meets the regulatory requirements before signing off the plane is safe to fly.

Auto electricians’ duties include assessing vehicles and finding faults using diagnostic testing equipment. They also install and repair electrical and electronic equipment; this can be in passenger and commercial vehicles to marine, and in mining equipment. Automotive electricians often interact directly with customers - asking for clarification of the problem with their vehicle, and then explaining what needs to be done.

The responsibilities of boilermakers amongst many are to build, erect, repair, test and maintain all types of boilers, tanks and pressure vessels, and perform structural and plate work on dust, air, gas, steam, oil, water and other liquid-tight containers. Boilermakers also erect and install boilers, regularly working on scaffolds, and repair and maintain existing boilers and related metal products.

Bricklaying is the act of building a wall by laying bricks, usually with cement between the surfaces of the bricks, while plastering is to cover a wall, ceiling, or other structure with plaster.

Cabinetmaking covers the manufacture of free-standing and built-in furniture and units, using wood as the sole or main material. It may include the design of furniture, but normally comprises the creation of furniture and units from designs prepared by others. Cabinetmaking differs from joinery through the quality of the wood and associated materials used, and the intricacy and aesthetic quality of the finished items.

Carpentry is a skilled trade in which the primary work performed is the cutting, shaping and installation of building materials during the construction of buildings, ships, timber bridges and concrete formwork.

Driving instructors teach people the skills and knowledge they need to drive safely and pass their driving test.

Fitter and turners manufacture, fit and assemble parts and components for a variety of machinery. They work with a range of materials including plastics and metals to make equipment and machinery and its parts. Fitter and turners work from detailed drawings or specifications, and can use hand and machine tools

A landscape and gardening engineer's main focus is the maintenance of gardens and to make sure the plants and trees are pruned and healthy

A mine surveyor conducts research on both underground and surface mines and designs surveys to produce information for the purpose of planning and construction of mines. Mine surveyors are employed by mining companies and mines. A mine surveyor goes into private business and works on a contract basis.

A panel beater or automotive body repairer is a person responsible for the repair and realignment of damaged and dented panels of the bodywork of a motor vehicle.

A plumber is a trade person who specializes in installing and maintaining systems used for potable (drinking) water, sewage and drainage in plumbing systems. Duties of a plumber are to assemble pipe sections, tubing and fittings, using couplings, clamps, screws, bolts, cement, plastic solvent, caulking, or soldering, brazing and welding equipment.

Press operators prepare, use, and maintain printing presses, allowing publishing companies or newspapers to produce accurate printed materials. Skills required to be a press operator include having quality control analysis and the ability to think critically. Stoffels also shared that it is essential for those aspiring to be press operators to have a good eye for colours and pay attention to smaller details and be able to work in a team that has to work under a lot of pressure to make sure deadlines are met.

A site manager may also have the title of construction manager, building manager operation manager. He or she will oversee operations on a day-to-day basis, and ensure that work is done safely, on time and within budget and to the right quality standards.

A tiler works inside and outside, including in the homes of customers and on building sites, in all weather conditions and on small and major projects. The work includes the laying of tiles of ceramics, mosaic and natural stone on walls, floors and staircases in houses, commercial, industrial and public buildings, churches, swimming pools, outside installations and façades to provide protective and decorative finishes. It also includes the construction of small walls and steps from bricks or blocks.

A welder prepares and joins a range of metals of various gauges using electrical and electrical/gas shielded processes. A welder needs to be able to interpret engineering working drawings, standards and symbols and correctly translate these requirements into accurate structures and products.