Course Overview.
Electrical technology as a field is concerned with all tools, machines, systems and devices which a flow of electrons or current takes place through metals and conductors. Broadly its involves the design and development of high voltage components and systems such as heaters, motors, generators, electrical power transmission and distribution, converters, radio waves and optical systems among other products. Electrical/ Electronic Engineering Technology on the other hand is concerned with the implementation and application of the principals of electrical technology/ engineering designs. It encompasses the design, application, installation, manufacturing, operation as well as the maintenance of electrical/electronic systems. Professionals in this field can be referred to as engineering technologists among other titles. Professionals in this field can be referred to as engineering technologists among other titles. The work of electrical and electronics engineering technologists entails helping engineers design and develop electrical and electronic systems.
Bachelor of Technology in Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technology is a four year course that has been designed to offer training and education in electrical and electronic engineering technology. The programme prepares the candidates to function as engineering technologists within the electrical and electronic engineering technology fields. Considerable emphasis is placed on giving the candidate considerable practical knowledge in engineering technology. These engineering technologists will therefore be skilled in the art of production of artefacts, structures and systems on the basis of designs prepared by the engineers within these fields. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and competence to understand and accurately interpret and be able to implement any engineering designs as prepared by engineers.
Entry Qualifications.
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of C+ in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster subjects; Subject 1 MAT A, Subject 2 PHY, Subject 3 CHE, Subject 4 BIO or any GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.
Becoming an engineering technologist
If you are passionate about electrical & electronic engineering field and interested to know how systems work on a practical level, then pursuing this course might be a good choice for you. In addition, you should be prepared to develop skills that can help you succeed in this field.
Engineering technologists must possess excellent logical thinking skills in order to be able to identify problems for the engineering work, be able to follow a logical sequence based on engineer’s designs, inspect designs for quality control and apply sound reasoning skills to identify and fix problems. They also need to be good in maths as they use mathematical formulas for the analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work. Engineering technologists also need to have good mechanical skills and be able to use hand tools on small circuitry and electronic parts to create detailed electronic components by hand.
Engineering technologists must possess excellent observational skills and be able to observe construction site and make sure that electrical engineers’ designs are being carried out correctly and report any emerging problems to the project engineer. Since Engineering technologists implement what engineers have designed, they must have good problem-solving skills and resolve any problems that may come up in carrying out the engineers’ designs. Engineering technologists should also have good writing skills to ensure that reports about onsite construction, testing and project progress are well understood by the engineers. Good communication and people skills are very important as engineering technologists work in team and should be able to communicate effectively with other members of the project.
Work environment.
Engineering technologists may work in offices, labs, factories or project sites working closely with electrical & electronic engineers.
Career opportunities
Engineering technologists may find employment in the public and private sectors. Areas of employment include; Telecommunications firms, Electrical Power firms, electronics firms, building construction, manufacturing companies, assembly plants, computer engineering firms, research institutes in electrical/ electronic engineering among other related areas. With considerable experience in the field, graduates can also opt to start their own consultancy businesses.
You may explore these courses
Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Electronic and Computer Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Telecommunication and Information Engineering
Bachelor of Science in Mechatronic Engineering
Bachelor of Technology in Civil Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering Technology
Bachelor of Education in Technology Education