Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) – Factories
Certificated Engineer (Mechanical or Electrical) Factories & Industrial Operations
Overview
The Installation Rules P1 programme prepares learners to meet the theoretical requirements for certification as an Installation Electrician, commonly known as a Wireman’s Licence.
Electrical installation work in South Africa is regulated by law and requires electricians to demonstrate competence in the safe design, installation, inspection, and testing of low-voltage electrical installations. This programme focuses on developing in-depth knowledge of SANS 10142 – The Wiring of Premises, which forms the legal and technical foundation of electrical installation work.
The course is essential for individuals seeking government certification and registration as Installation Technicians under the Department of Employment and Labour.
Certificate Titles
This certification applies to two specialisation pathways:
- Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) – Mechanical Factories
- Government Certificate of Competency (GCC) – Electrical Factories
Certification is granted by the Department of Employment and Labour upon recommendation by the Commission of Examiners.
Programme Details
Certification Level: Statutory Certificate
NQF Level: 5 (Certificates) / 6 (National Diploma after practical training)
Certification Status: Government-regulated
Quality Assuring Body: Quality Council for Trades and Occupations
Purpose of the Programme
The purpose of the GCC Factories programme is to qualify engineers to act as Employer’s Engineers, legally responsible for supervising machinery in factories and industrial workplaces.
A certificated engineer will be able to:
- Supervise the safe operation of machinery
- Ensure compliance with statutory safety requirements
- Protect employees from machinery-related hazards
- Fulfill the legal obligations of employers under South African law
- The certification is aligned with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the General Machinery Regulations.
- Competencies You Will Develop
By completing this programme, certificated engineers will be able to:
- Supervise machinery in accordance with General Machinery Regulation 2.1
- Apply occupational health and safety legislation in industrial settings
- Identify, assess, and mitigate machinery-related risks
- Ensure machinery operates within design and safety specifications
- Act as the legally appointed Employer’s Engineer
Programme Content
Core Knowledge Areas
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act)
- General Machinery Regulations
- Plant Engineering Principles
- Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Systems
- Risk Management and Legal Compliance
- Supervisory and Management Responsibilities
Examination Structure
All subjects are compulsory.
- GCC Factories Examinations
- Plant Engineering Examination
- Occupational Health and Safety Act Examination
Pass Mark: 50% per subject
Examination Periods: June and November annually
Examination Venues: Approved TVET Colleges
Campus Locations
Northam, Germiston
Delivery Mode
Theoretical Certification (N4–N6): 18–36 months (part-time)
Practical Training (Diploma): 18 months
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet the Commission of Examiners’ requirements, which typically include:
Mechanical or Electrical Engineering Qualification, such as:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering
- National Diploma in Engineering
- National Technical Diploma in Engineering
- Relevant workplace experience in an industrial or factory environment
Additional institutional requirements may apply at private colleges.
Assessment Approach: Written Examinations
Learners are assessed through:
- National written examinations
- Legal and technical competency testing
- Application of engineering principles to workplace scenarios
All examinations are administered under the authority of the Department of Employment and Labour.
Duration
Duration 1 Trimester (3 Months) Per N-Level (4 Subjects)
Career Options
Certified individuals may be employed as:
- Employer’s Engineer
- Factory Engineer
- Plant Engineer
- Engineering Manager
Industries requiring GCC Factories certification include:
- Manufacturing
- FMCG
- Food & Beverages
- Energy and Utilities
- Oil, Gas, and Petrochemicals
Legislative & Regulatory Compliance
This certification complies with South African legislation, including:
- Occupational Health and Safety Act
- General Machinery Regulations
- Labour Relations Act
- Basic Conditions of Employment Act
