Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

Industrial Mechanic

Loom Fixer

Loom Technician

Machine Adjuster

Machine Mechanic

Maintenance Technician

Mechanic

Overhauler

Sewing Machine Mechanic

What is an Industrial Machinery Mechanic?

Industrial machinery mechanics are skilled tradespeople who specialize in the installation, maintenance, and repair of industrial machinery and mechanical equipment. They are vital to a variety of industries, including manufacturing, construction, and logistics, ensuring that machinery operates efficiently and safely. These professionals work with a range of equipment, including turbines, conveyor systems, pumps, and production machinery, troubleshooting issues and performing preventative maintenance to avoid breakdowns. Their expertise allows them to interpret technical manuals and blueprints, as well as utilize diagnostic tools and specialized equipment to assess mechanical problems. Industrial machinery mechanics may also be involved in the assembly of new machinery or equipment, as well as the modification of existing machinery to improve performance. Their role is critical to minimizing downtime and ensuring production processes run smoothly, ultimately contributing to the overall productivity and profitability of businesses.

Job Outlook

Projected salary and job growth

$42390.0 - $85970.0

This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.

Finding local jobs...

Assessment

Related assessments and tests

No assessment available.

Related Occupations

Tasks

Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.
Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.
Disassemble machinery or equipment to remove parts and make repairs.
Reassemble equipment after completion of inspections, testing, or repairs.

Technology Skills

Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel 365
Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint 365
Industrial control software
Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook 365
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- SAP S/4HANA

Tools Used

Drill press or radial drill
Power grinders
Hex keys
- Allen wrenches
- Hex wrenches
Micrometers
- Inside micrometers
- Outside micrometers
Calipers
- Dial calipers
- Vernier instruments

Knowledge

Mechanical
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Production and Processing
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

6 Active Jobs in South Africa

Avg Salary: R21,766pm

How to Know if You Are Ready to be an Industrial Machinery Mechanic in South Africa

The South African industrial landscape is currently experiencing a significant demand for skilled technical professionals. With 8 active jobs currently available, the market for Industrial Machinery Mechanics (often referred to locally as Millwrights or Maintenance Fitters) is robust. From a financial perspective, the sector is seeing a steady upward trajectory. The average salary of R21,766pm is supported by a growth trend where entry-level expectations starting around R19,154 in early 2024 are projected to climb toward R23,943 by the end of the year.

Is Industrial Machinery Mechanics Right for Me? (Psychometric Checklist)

Before committing to this trade, it is essential to assess whether your natural temperament and cognitive strengths align with the demands of the workshop and the factory floor. Consider the following traits:

Mechanical Aptitude: Do you have an innate desire to understand how gears, pulleys, and hydraulic systems function together?
Analytical Problem-Solving: Can you remain calm under pressure when a production line stops, systematically "fault-finding" until the root cause is identified?
Physical Resilience: Are you comfortable working in confined spaces, at heights, or in environments that may be loud or oily?
Precision and Detail-Orientation: Do you take pride in aligning components to a fraction of a millimetre to ensure long-term operational stability?
Safety Consciousness: Is a "Safety First" mindset part of your DNA? In South Africa, adherence to OHS (Occupational Health and Safety) protocols is non-negotiable.

A Day in the Life: The South African Context

In South Africa, an Industrial Machinery Mechanic is the heartbeat of the manufacturing, mining, and agricultural sectors. Your day typically begins with a "toolbox talk" to discuss safety and the day's maintenance schedule. You might spend your morning in a bustling manufacturing hub in Gauteng or a port facility in Durban, performing preventative maintenance on massive conveyor systems or CNC machinery. The afternoon could involve an emergency breakdown repair where every minute of downtime costs the company thousands of Rands. You will collaborate with electricians and engineers, often using specialised diagnostic software alongside traditional heavy-duty tools to ensure the nation’s supply chains keep moving.

Education & Upskilling

Entering this field requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and "grease-under-the-fingernails" experience. In South Africa, the path usually involves:

Formal Qualifications: Pursuing an N1-N6 National Certificate via a TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) College, or a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from a University of Technology.
Apprenticeships and the Red Seal: Completing a formal apprenticeship culminates in the "Trade Test." Achieving your Red Seal certification is the gold standard for being recognised as a qualified artisan in South Africa.
Specialised Certifications: Short courses in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), advanced hydraulics, or robotic welding can significantly increase your market value.

It is crucial to remember that the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is changing the landscape. Continuous learning is key. As machinery becomes more "intelligent," the most successful mechanics are those who bridge the gap between traditional mechanics and digital diagnostics.

Next Steps

If you find yourself nodding along to these requirements and are excited by the prospect of a high-demand, hands-on career, you are likely ready to take the next step. However, a career choice is a significant investment of your time and energy. To ensure this is the perfect fit for your unique profile, we encourage you to validate your instincts. Test your readiness now by completing our comprehensive South African Industrial Trade Assessment to see if you have the mechanical "spark" required for success.

Skills

Equipment Maintenance
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Abilities

Control Precision
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Finger Dexterity
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Manual Dexterity
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

Post-secondary certificate

47 %

Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
High school diploma or equivalent

39 %

or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
Associate's degree

14 %

Work Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Detailed Work Activities

Maintain work equipment or machinery.
Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Replace worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Clean equipment, parts, or tools to repair or maintain them in good working order.

Work Interests

Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.