National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 2)

This qualification represents a set of foundation skills for mechanical engineering and related trades. The qualification may be used as the first stage of an apprenticeship or as the basis for pre-trade courses. It is particularly relevant for people wishing to pursue careers in general engineering, machining, toolmaking, fitting, engineering maintenance, engineering fabrication, and marine engineering.

Holders of this qualification have the following skills and knowledge relevant to the mechanical engineering industry:
. health and safety;
. trade mathematics and mechanics;
. metals and other materials used in engineering;
. fasteners and assembly;
. sketching;
. measurement;
. engineering tools;
. machining or fabrication operations; and
. welding safety and procedures.

This qualification leads to trade qualifications in mechanical engineering and engineering fabrication at levels 4 and 5 on the NQF, and ultimately to the National Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) with strands in Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, and an optional Practical Endorsement strand [Ref: 0534].