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Western Cape Education Department

Mr. Kevin Malan
Directorate: Curriculum FET
Kevin.Malan2@westerncape.gov.za
Tel: +27 21 830 3854 Cell: 084 657 3946
REFERENCE: 06/07/2023
ENQUIRIES: KP MALAN

PRACTICAL SKILLS COMPETITION 02 SEPTEMBER 2023: MECHANICAL

TECHNOLOGY

The PRACTICAL SKILLS COMPETITION by a resolution of the Competitions Committee and

following the set guidelines, the Standing Competition Rules, has adopted the following minimum
requirements for the Skills Competition.

INTRODUCTION:

The PRACTICAL SKILLS COMPETITION 2023 includes all SCHOOLS offering

TECHNICAL EDUCATION in the Western Cape. The subject of Mechanical Technology consists
of three subject disciplines Automotive, Fitting & Machining and Welding & Metalwork Technology.

Purpose:

 To develop competency and skills in the field of Mechanical Technology.

 Positive competition motivates students and inspires them to strive for excellence.
 To integrate technology and career instruction with a chosen career path or field of study.
 The competition will evaluate each participant's skills and recognize outstanding learners for their
excellence in their field of Mechanical Technology.
 All participating schools will enter ONE Grade 11 learner to compete and demonstrate their
competence and skills in various tasks and activities.

THE AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY ACTIVITIES

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Activity 1: HAND SKILLS – MANUFACTURING OF ARTEFACT

Activity 2: ENGINE COMPONENTS MEASURING.
Activity 3: FRONT DISC BRAKE ASSESSMENT
Activity 4: SELECT AND USE VEHICLE LIFTING EQUIPMENT

THE RELEVANCE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THIS DOCUMENT

This document contains information about the standards required to compete in this skills competition,
and the assessment principles, methods, and procedures that govern the competition. The competitor
must ensure they familiarise themselves with the scope of work and understand what is expected from
them.

GENERAL SKILLS COMPETITION INFORMATION

 The Bellville Technical High School will host the skills competition on 02 September 2023,
which is open to all learners and free of charge.
 Each participant must be accompanied by a teacher from their school.
 On the day of the contest, participants must sign an attendance register between 08h00 and 08h30.
 A basic lunch and a beverage will be provided for contestants and teachers, but those with special
dietary requirements should bring their food (all food provided will be Halaal).
 Participants are required to bring their toolbox, equipped with all the necessary tools & equipment
to complete the tasks allocated task.
 All the materials required for the competition will be provided.
 Participants must wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and will not be allowed
to compete without it.
 Each school may only enter ONE learner to participate in the competition.
 The contest will last for 5 HOURS.

AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY - PRACTICAL TASK

Competitor’s knowledge and skills will be assessed based on the following criteria:

Participating schools may only enter ONE learner, who should practice the two activities under the
teacher’s guidance. These activities will incorporate similar procedures and skills to those that will

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be given at the competition.

Participants are required to bring their toolbox containing all the tools necessary tools and equipment
required on the day of the competition. Participants will not be allowed to use sandpaper.
COMPETITOR’S TOOLBOX AND SUGGESTED TOOLS REQUIRED:
 BMS mild steel plate 100 x 50 x 5 mm
 Competitors must bring their toolbox as listed below however they may add to the list any other
tool/s they may want to include.
AUTOMOTIVE COMPETITORS TOOLBOX CONTENT:
 Hacksaw with blades,  Marking blue
 Steel rule 300mm,  G-clamps,
 Soft face  Vice grips
 Ball pein hammer,  Tap set M12 x 1.75 mm.
 Scriber,  Stock & die M12 x 1.75mm
 Centre punch,  Tapmatic cutting fluid.
 Drill bits, 6mm, 6.5mm,  Vernier calliper,
 Portable drilling machine  Micrometer,
 Hand files,  Telescopic gauges,
 Engineers square,  Dial gauge,
 Combination square,  PPE.

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SAFETY

Safety is a priority at the provincial skills competition:

Ensuring safety is of utmost importance at the provincial skills competition:

 Participants failing to adhere to basic safety requirements will be warned and subsequently
halted by the judges to prevent harm to themselves or participants.
 Participants are obligated to wear the necessary personal protective equipment.
 Loose apparel, jewellery, and long hair must be tied back or secured with a hairnet.
 As a school event, all school regulations must be followed and respected.

SPECTATORS
 Spectators must not interact with participants or teachers during the competition for safety
reasons and fairness.
 Although entrance to the competition is free, overcrowding in the workshops will not be
allowed to ensure safety.
 There will be a tuck shop and exhibitors showcasing their products at the venue.
 The judges' decision is final, and entrants’ spectators and teachers may not enter negotiations or
correspondence.

AUTOMOTIVE ACTIVITIES

ACTIVITY No 1: HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES

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ACTIVITY No 2: MEASURING OF ENGINE COMPONENTS

ACTIVITY No 3: MARKING OFF AND MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY

Participants will jack up the front of a motor car and place it on two tressles in the front of the car.
After the judges have assessed the jacking up procedure, you will be asked to lower it again the way
you found it. All equipment used must be made safe. Good housekeeping practices and safety
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precautions will be assessed throughout the activity.

 MARKING OFF AND MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY - SCORING Marks

 1 Assessment of the interpretation of the design brief. 5
 2 Accuracy of marking off and applying marking blue. 5
 3 The safe and correct application of hand tools. 5
 4 The completion and accuracy of all filing done. 5
 4 The safe and correct application of using the drilling machine. 5
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 5 The safe and correct use of the tapping procedure. 5

 6 Accuracy and squareness of slotted holes. 5
 7 Accuracy and squareness of final product. 5
 8 Safe working procedures. 5
 9 Application of good housekeeping procedures. 5
 TOTAL 50

HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKE - SCORING Marks

 1 Interpreting the design brief and doing the marking off. 5
 2 Level of competence in changing brake pads. 10
 3 Aptitude and competence in using measuring instruments. 10
 4 Accuracy of measurements taken as per instructions. 10
 5 Assessment of the completed condition report. 5
 6 Safe working procedures. 5
 7 Application of good housekeeping procedures. 5
 TOTAL 50

 MEASURING OF ENGINE COMPONENTS - SCORING Marks

 1 Assessment and interpretation of the design brief. 5
 2 Application of the correct tool for the correct activity 5
 3 Aptitude and competence with the use of measuring instruments. 5
 4 Assessment of recorded measurements. 5
 5 Assessment of the accuracy of readings taken. 10
 6 Assessment of safe working procedures. 10

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 7 Application of good housekeeping procedures. 10

 TOTAL 50

JACKING-UP OF CAR - SCORING Marks

 1 Assessment of the interpretation of the design brief. 5
 2 Application of the correct use of lifting equipment. 10
 3 Aptitude and competence with the use of tressles. 5
 4 Aptitude and competence with removing the tressles. 5
 5 Aptitude and competence of swopping wheels. 10
 6 Aptitude and competence in using the torque wrench. 5
 7 Assessment of safe working procedures. 5
 8 Application of good housekeeping procedures. 5
 TOTAL 50

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Em p lo ym e n t a n d sa la ry e n q u irie s: 0861 819 919 | Sa fe Sc h o o ls: 0800 45 46 47
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