Palucraft

24/09/2026

Say bye-bye to the NATED course and hello to the Occupational Diploma.

But GCC Factories Artisan applicants still face many challenges.

In our latest post, we break down the GCC Factories requirements for Artisans and offer guidelines on the options available to artisans to be accepted as GCC Factories Candidates.

The biggest issue with the proposed Occupational Diploma that is replacing the NATED Engineering Studies:
1. No applied thermodynamics
2. Can't do part modules/subjects

If nothing changes with the current proposed Occupational Diploma, Artisans may need to consider the Route 2 (Technician) application.

Learn more: https://www.palucraft-gccstudy.com/post/gcc-factories-subject-requirements-for-artisans-route-3-applicants

23/09/2026

Obtaining the GCC Factories is a great first step toward becoming a General Machinery Regulation 2 appointee.

However, you may still be wondering:
- What is the legal liability attached to the GMR 2 role?
- What are my GMR 2 duties?
- How will I be fulfilling my GMR 2 duties?

Then you should join our 'Understanding and Fulfilling the Role of the GMR 2' short course, where you will gain the confidence to understand and effectively fulfill the GMR 2 appointment by turning legal requirements into practical maintenance and operations controls.

Date: 23 - 25 November 2026
Time: 8 AM - 4 PM
Delivery: In-person (Bryanston) and Online
Included: 4 ECSA CPD Credits + live classes + learner workbook + downloadable templates + on-demand videos
Fees: R9775.00

Register now: https://www.palucraft-gccstudy.com/understanding-and-fulfilling-the-role-of-gmr-2-1-palucraft-course

22/09/2026

You must write the GCC Factories exams at an exam center approved by the Department of Employment and Labour.

If you don't, your script will not be accepted, and your efforts will be null and void.

Here are the full guidelines: https://www.palucraft-gccstudy.com/post/where-can-i-write-the-gcc-exam

19/09/2026

The machinery in workplaces falls under two main categories:
1. They are sources of hazards (e.g., noise, heat, light, radiation, etc.), and/or
2. They store, contain, or transmit hazardous substances.

In any case, the role of the General Machinery Regulation 2(1) appointee (aka the GMR 2.1) is to ensure compliance with the OHS Act and regulations relating to machinery. Compliance is not limited to the GMR. It also extends to other regulations where machinery interfaces with, or becomes a source of, hazards.

Your responsibility as a GMR 2.1 is to establish, implement, and maintain a system that ensures the employer's legal and other requirements are met and protects the organization's sustainability by leading others to implement the system. Your responsibility as the GMR 2.7(a) and maintenance & operations team member is to support the GMR 2.1 in improving and implementing the system.

That's a monthful...

That's why we need three full days and additional online resources to help develop the competency the GMR 2.1, GMR 2.7(a), and team.

That ladies and gentlemen is our 'Understanding and Fulfilling the Role of the GMR 2' short course.

Date: 23 -25 November 2026
Time: 8 AM - 4 PM
Delivery: The Campus, Bryanston and Online
Investment: R9775.00

Register now: https://www.palucraft-gccstudy.com/understanding-and-fulfilling-the-role-of-gmr-2-1-palucraft-course

18/09/2026

Preparing for the GCC Factories OHS Act exam can feel overwhelming, especially when you're trying to remember which parts of the legislation to focus on.

One of the most common mistakes candidates make is to study the Occupational Health and Safety Act in isolation, without realising that a wide range of regulations support the Act.

These regulations provide practical details on how the Act must be implemented in workplaces across various industries, including power generation, manufacturing, mining, FMCG, oil and gas, and heavy engineering.

For GCC Factories candidates, this means you are expected to know not only the OHS Act itself, but also the key regulations covering machinery, pressure equipment, hazardous substances, ergonomics, facilities, and more.

We’ve listed all the regulations you need to learn for the GCC Factories OHS Act exam in our latest blog. Each section includes a summary to guide your study, and we’ve provided a downloadable PDF for every regulation so you can build your own reference library.

🔗 Deep dive: https://www.palucraft-gccstudy.com/post/ohs-act-regulations-you-must-know-for-the-gcc-factories-exam-the-complete-list-with-free-downloads

18/09/2026

As a manager or supervisor, the guaranteed way to be blamed for non-compliance with the OHS Act is:
(a) Not having clear processes and procedures, resulting in a workplace where employees do whatever they like.
(b) Not documenting and communicating to employees their scope of authority.
(c) Relying on the fact that you issued instructions; therefore, you have done what is reasonably practicable.

Ladies and gentlemen, the above is the long and short of OHS Act Section 37(1).

Have you done what is reasonably practicable to:
- ensure compliance with the OHS Act?
- protect the health and safety of your employees?

17/09/2026

You may be considered for the GCC Factories if you have a qualification obtained outside of South Africa.

Here are the detailed guidelines: https://www.palucraft-gccstudy.com/post/gcc-factories-subject-requirements-for-foreign-qualification-applicants

The ultimate guide to the GCC Factories subject requirements for persons with foreign qualifications.

17/09/2026

Welder.
Boilermaker.
Electrician.
Diesel mechanic.
Fitter.
Instrument technician.
Lift mechanic.
And other mechanical and electrical trades.

Did you know you can move from being an Artisan to a Certificated Engineer?

To achieve this, you will need to get the GCC Factories or GCC Mines.

But it's not as easy as it sounds.
- The transition will require you to have the right maintenance and operations experience.
- But most importantly, the transition will require a huge mental shift from you.
- You will need to have the temperament to lead others.

As a Certificated Engineer, you will be held to a higher standard than an Artisan. You will need to develop many more skills along the way.

But don't be discouraged because it is doable. You need to put in the work, make sure you are pursuing the Certificated Engineer career path for the right reasons, and have the temperament to lead others.

Are you up for the challenge?

17/09/2026

Artisans (e.g., welders, electricians, boilermakers, etc.) working in maintenance and operations can advance their careers and become Certificated Engineers by obtaining the GCC Factories qualification.

You must have the right experience and meet the qualification requirements.

Here are the full GCC Factories subject requirements for artisan applicants: https://www.palucraft-gccstudy.com/post/gcc-factories-subject-requirements-for-artisans-route-3-applicants

16/09/2026

You may get the GCC Factories exam acceptance letter if you have one of the following mechanical or electrical engineering qualifications:
1. National Diploma
2. Advanced Diploma
3. BTech
4. BEngTech

Here are the detailed subject requirements guidelines to get the GCC Factories acceptance letter from the Department of Employment and Labour ⤵️

https://www.palucraft-gccstudy.com/post/gcc-factories-subject-requirements-for-technician-and-technologists-route-2-applicants