Table of contents
1. Introduction
13. Conclusion
1. Introduction
Obtaining the Government Certificate of Competency in Mines & Works takes nine steps. The first step is to have your qualifications evaluated.
The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) no longer has approved bodies to do the qualification evaluation. They now do it themselves. You need to submit an application as Engineer in Training and the qualification evaluation will be done during that stage.
The matter of the qualification evaluation is one of the frequently asked questions by GCC Mines aspirants. Many waste time trying to find out if they meet the qualification requirements. The simple answer is that you need to submit your application with the DMR to obtain an official response.
You can however take a proactive step by doing a self-evaluation to pre-empt their response.
This post aims to provide some guidelines on how to do a qualification self-evaluation.
2. Qualification Evaluation Explanation Video
3. What is the purpose of the qualification evaluation?
The qualification evaluation aims to ascertain that your qualification covers the minimum GCC Mines & Works "subjects" required by the DMR.
The GCC Mines & Works "subjects" are engineering topics that form part of a unit standard or module. A better word to use here is topics instead of subjects.
The DMR will evaluate whether the unit standards or modules covered by your qualification covers the minimum GCC Mines & Works topics.
The DMR will then issue you with permission to commence your Engineer in Training and complete the necessary Annexure E modules.
Suppose your qualification does not meet the minimum requirements. In that case, the DMR will recommend the unit standards or modules you need to complete.
4. Which qualifications are eligible for GCC Mines & Works?
In general, the mechanical and electrical qualifications are eligible for the GCC Mines & Works. These include:
Bachelor's Degree in electrical engineering (heavy current)
Bachelor's Degree in mechanical engineering
BTech in electrical engineering (heavy current)
BTech in mechanical engineering
National Diploma in electrical engineering (heavy current)
National Diploma in mechanical engineering
Acceptable trade test, and you must be in the position of a National Technical Diploma (N6) in electrical or mechanical engineering
Unfortunately, the DMR does not make exemptions for other forms of qualifications, e.g., chemical engineering, metallurgical engineering, electronics engineering, etc.
5. Are the GCC Mines & Works topics the same for mechanical and electrical graduates?
No, the minimum topics for mechanical and electrical graduates differ depending on which GCC Mines & Works certificate you are pursuing.
The DMR issues two types of GCC Mines & Works:
Certificate of Competency as Mechanical Engineer for Mines and Works, or
Certificate of Competency as Electrical Engineer for Mines and Works.
Therefore, the minimum topics that need to be covered by your unit standards or modules will depend on whether you apply for the GCC Mines & Works in mechanical or electrical.
6. What are the minimum GCC Mines & Works topics for mechanical applicants?
The minimum GCC Mines & Works topics for GCC Mines & Works mechanical applicants are as follows:
Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Engineering Graphics
Materials Science
Electrotechnics
Strength of Materials
Engineering Materials
Thermodynamics
Dynamics
Numerical Analysis
Engineering Analysis
Professional Practice
Fluid Mechanics
Strength of Materials
Mechanical Design
Structural Analysis
Machine Design
Thermal Machines
Heat Transfer
Fluid Machines
Systems Engineering
Air conditioning and Refrigeration
Manufacturing Technology
Thermal Fluid System Design
Machine Dynamics
Nuclear Engineering
Engineering Management
7. What are the minimum GCC Mines & Works topics for electrical applicants?
The minimum GCC Mines & Works topics for GCC Mines & Works electrical applicants are as follows:
Mechanics, Oscillations, Waves, and Theory of Heat
Engineering Graphics
Electricity, Magnetism, Optics, Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Process Drawings
Materials Science
Statics and Mathematical Modelling
Electrotechnics
Operations Management for Engineers
Operations Research
Thermodynamics
Engineering Statistic
Control Theory
Manufacturing Technology
Decision Support Systems
Systems Engineering
Databases and Web-programming
Business Engineering and Design
8. How do I get my GCC Mines & Works qualification evaluation?
As mentioned earlier, the DMR does it's own qualification evaluation and you will need to submit a formal application to commence Engineering in Training.
The video above provides guidelines on how to complete a qualification self-evaluation as a proactive step to pre-empt the DMR response.
The qualification self-evaluation templates are also provided above.
9. How can I do a qualification self-evaluation as a GCC Mines & Works applicant?
Here is what you need to do to complete a self-evaluation:
Download the GCC Mines & Works mechanical/electrical self-evaluation template
Fill in your details
Match your unit standards or modules to the GCC Mines & Works topics
Print the complete form
Sign the form
Attach the form when submitting your GCC Mines & Works application
10. What must I do if my unit standards or modules do not cover the GCC Mines & Works topics?
The best option is to contact your nearest Higher Education Institution or TVET College. Ask to speak to a curriculum/qualification advisor.
You must inquire about a unit standard or module you can complete to cover the GCC Mines & Works topic.
11. What if your qualification does not meet the GCC Mines & Works topics requirements?
You need to complete the unit standards or modules that cover the GCC Mines & Works topics/subjects.
12. Foreign qualifications
Persons with foreign qualifications need to be evaluated by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
SAQA needs to issue a letter confirming the NQF level and the equivalent South African qualification aligned with the foreign qualification. You will still need to send the SAQA letter, foreign qualification, and academic record to the DMR.
13. Conclusion
Step one of the journey to obtaining the GCC Mines & Works is having your qualification evaluated. The qualification evaluation is done by the DMR.
You can complete a GCC Mines & Works qualification self-evaluation as a proactive step to pre-empt the DMR response and possibly start doing some of the modules while waiting for an official response.
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