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CAREER GUIDANCE
Career Overview: What do I do for a living?
A career as a motor mechanic is exciting and rewarding.
Knowing all about different vehicles and learning how to keep them in good shape provides personal satisfaction, while also helping the environment.
A career in mechanic work offers a good income and job security, particularly in South Africa where there is a growing need for these services.
Motor mechanics are skilled tradespersons that repair and maintain a wide range of vehicles including cars, busses, and trucks among others.
Their responsibilities include inspecting, assessing and repairing the engine components of a motorised vehicle.
Depending on their qualifications, mechanics can also specialize in servicing heavy-duty equipment mechanics, petrol and diesel road vehicles.
Becoming a mechanic requires mandatory mechanic courses, apprenticeship, and hands-on training experience.
Mechanic jobs in South Africa provide a decent income. This craft has promising prospects and allows qualified artisans to choose from a broad variety of sectors of the automotive industry where they can practice their trade.
What is the minimum entry level?
NQF Level 4 with Communication and Mathematical Literacy
Besides these mandatory qualifications,
a Mechanic must also prove the following traits:
- Be physically fit for heavy work
- Enjoy working with their hands
- Be meticulous and accurate
- Able to work in noisy environments
- Have great hand-eye coordination
- Basic welding skills
- Possess outstanding troubleshooting skills
- Have good eyesight
According to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA), having a job as a motor mechanic also implies these requirements:
- An in-depth understanding of health and safety compliance rules
- Basic knowledge of hand and power tools
- An excellent grasp of mechanical equipment
- The willingness to keep up-to-date with technological advances in the field
- A great set of communication skills
- Patience in getting the best results out of a mechanical servicing task
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and
RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements.
What can I become?
Motor Mechanics / Petrol Mechanic / Automotive Technician
Where can I work?
After finishing mechanic courses, one can begin a career as a motor mechanic in sectors like:
- Automotive industry
- The motor body manufacturing industry
- Independent repair shops
- Bus and public transport companies
- Vehicle sellers and distributors
- Service stations
- Heavy engineering
What is the duration of the course?
The Duration is 3 years
What is a Motor Mechanic’s Job?
A mechanic is a service technician that ensures the proper functioning of motors and diesel engines.
The occupational duties of an auto mechanic include:
- Analyzing the information received about a vehicle
- Test driving the vehicle if necessary or possible
- Using electronic equipment to identify and confirm potential issues
- Calculating the potential costs of repair and new components
- Confirming with the vehicle’s owner the costs of the operation
- Taking out damaged parts and repairing or replacing them
- Looking for affordable replacement parts on the motor trade market
- Ordering new components when necessary
- Adjusting brakes and tightening bolts
- Replacing oil, oil filters and air filters
- Adjusting lights, mirrors, and windscreen wipers
- Repairing radiator leaks
- Using hand tools of various types
- Ensuring the long-term maintenance of motors and diesel engines
- Repairing radiator leaks
- Using hand tools of various type
- Adjusting lights, mirrors, and windscreen wipers