Title: Precision Mechanic (CFC), OPET-certified
Option: Technical vocational baccalaureate
Precision mechanics manufacture parts, tools and devices made of metal or synthetic materials. They assemble instruments, machines or robots, and they programme, control, maintain and repair industrial production facilities. The nature of their job depends on the field and the size of the company where they are employed, as well as the department in which they work.
Feasibility studies and construction of prototypes – Precision mechanics analyse customer requests from drawings, specifications or simple instructions. They work alongside the technical team to develop the project, and gather all the necessary information to ensure that the end product fully meets expectations. They put together lists of materials and supplies, estimate necessary lead times, calculate costs, manufacture the different parts, assemble them and ensure optimal functionality. They are also responsible for installing and commissioning equipment and, if necessary, training the future operating staff.
Industrial production – A large part of a precision mechanic's job involves industrial production. Within the framework of this activity, they choose machining tools, make them, if necessary, organise the production chain, programme digitally controlled machines and carry out trials. They rigorously inspect the quality of the parts produced and eliminate machining defects. Checking installations and training production staff are also aspects of their work.
Assembly, installation and maintenance – Precision mechanics study assembly diagrams supplied by the design department; assemble the different parts of a machine; establish mechanical, electrical or pneumatic connections between various elements of a system; and test and put the system into operation. They also inspect, maintain and repair machines or appliances in the workshop and on the customer's premises. Precision mechanics work alone or in small teams, alongside control engineers, production mechanics and industrial designers-constructors. In small firms, they may work on all phases of the production process. In large companies, they are part of a specialised team (e.g., research and development, production, assembly, customer service, etc.).
Admissions 2012
information for applicantsEnrolment for 2012-2013
Organisation of the Course
In compliance with Swiss regulations, the Precision Mechanic (CFC) course comprises a basic two-year course followed by an in-depth two-year course.
In the first two years, basic and complementary operational skills are focused on:
- Manual machining of parts (b1)
- Machining of parts with conventional machine tools or digitally controlled machine tools (b2)
- Assembling and putting into operation the sub-assemblies (b3)
- Measuring and inspecting parts (b4)
- Modelling parts and making CAD drawings (c2)
In the third year, the student learns two operational skills in depth:
- Writing manufacturing documents for parts and sub-assemblies (a3)
- Machining parts with CNC machines (a7)
In the fourth year, the programme takes a different, more professionally oriented course. This phase is organised under the aegis of ergonPRO and involves two six-month periods during which the student acquires two additional professional skills within a professional environment: one period within the ergonPRO structure, working on projects for external and internal customers; and one in-company internship (locally or abroad). During these work experiences, the student will develop in-depth operational skills depending on the company’s projects and specifications:
- Planning, executing and assessing projects (a1)
- Planning and controlling parts of projects (a2)
- Writing manufacturing documents for parts and sub-assemblies (a3) > repeated from third year!
- Making prototypes of parts and sub-assemblies (a4)
- Making tools and production means (a5)
- Machining parts with conventional machines (a6)
- Machining parts with CNC machines (a7) > repeated from third year!
- Machining turned parts with conventional machines (a8)
- Machining turned parts with CNC machines (a9)
- Supervising the production of micro-technical products (a10)
- Inspecting products and maintaining measuring instruments (a11)
- Assembling sub-assemblies and machines and taking final delivery (a12)
- Making assemblies and putting systems into operation externally (a13)
- Assembling automated systems and putting them into operation (a14)
- Programming commands using programmable robots (a15)
- Carrying out maintenance and revision work (a16)
- Eliminating failures (a17)
- Maintaining aircraft sub-assemblies (a18)
- Maintaining aircraft (a19)
- Planning, leading and assessing training sessions (a20)
Students who complete internships abroad also develop language skills.
Professional Prospects
Precision mechanics must be familiar with different generations of machines and continually perfect their knowledge to keep abreast of technological changes. There are opportunities for specialisation in high-performance machines and cutting-edge technology, used particularly in the chemical and food industry, medical instruments, the environment, transportation, electronics, etc.
The Future of the Course
There is currently a lack of precision mechanics, which is growing more severe. The technical and industrial fields, in particular, suffer from a lack of qualified professionals. Therefore, there is a wide range of activities for newly qualified professionals, both after completing higher education and directly after taking this course.
Higher Education
- Additional training as a technician in synthetic materials
- Bachelor and Master of Science in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering or microtechnical engineering, full-time
- Federal diploma as a maintenance agent or production expert (vocational)
- Technical university diploma in enterprise processes, mechanics, microtechnics or electronics, full-time or vocational
- Diploma as an industrial team leader or industrial foreman, modular course or vocational
Associated Professions:
- Synthetic Materials Technician (CFC)
- Control Engineer (CFC)
- Industry Appliance Engineer (CFC)
- Industrial Designer-Engineer (CFC)
- Production Mechanic (CFC)
- Micro-Engineer (CFC)
Admission Requirements
Completion of compulsory schooling with end-of-schooling certificate for the general (B or VSG) or pre-secondary section (A or VSB)
Passing grade on entrance exam, based on the following criteria:
- Practical internship and personal interview (by invitation)
- Basic-check skills test (free for the applicant invited to a personal interview; an earlier basic-check or multi-check test is accepted)
- Grades from school
Qualifications
Precision mechanics should be interested in the sciences and technology in general. They must:
- Have good manual skills
- Have good spatial awareness
- Have a logical and methodical mind
- Be meticulous and precise in their work
- Show an interest in techniques, in particular machining metals
- Show an interest in technical drawing
- Show an interest in mechanics in general
FAQ
Can I take the Precision Mechanic (CFC) course without taking the technical vocational baccalaureate course?
Yes, it’s possible; however, we suggest that all students take the vocational baccalaureate lessons during the first semester. Once a student passes this first semester, he or she can stop the vocational baccalaureate lessons, but will still be entitled to take other lessons, notably German and English.
Can I start a course in a company and join lessons midway in the ergonEMF section?
In theory, no, because ours is a modular system.
I am interested in taking on a fourth-year student as an intern in my company.
Regardless of whether or not your company is accredited to train apprentices, that's great! Contact us to talk about it!
I have a contract to submit...
Contact us quickly to discuss your project and to assess whether it can be considered by our ergonPRO structure.