Motor mechanics maintain and repair motorcars, buses, trucks and other vehicles. They receive information regarding the faults of the vehicle from owners. They take the vehicle for a test drive and use electronic equipment to identify, confirm and locate the problem. After determining the cause of the problem they prepare a quotation for cost of repair.
Motor mechanics may take out broken or damaged parts of vehicles, order new parts, or alternatively, repair or replace the broken or damaged parts. Where necessary they will adjust brakes; replace shock absorbers; tighten bolts; align wheels; solder leaks in the radiator; replace oil, oil filters and air filters; and adjust lights, heaters, mirrors and windscreen wipers.
Satisfying Aspects
- variety of work tasks
- working with your hands
- challenge of diagnosing and solving problems
- the opportunity to specialize and/or to open own business
Demanding aspects
- possibility of injury or accidents on the job
- having to work in awkward or cramped positions
- working in dirty, noisy workshops
- dealing with impatient or overly critical customer
Requirements
A motor mechanic should:
- be a minimum of 16 years old;
- enjoy working with his hands;
- have mechanical aptitude and ability;
- have manual dexterity;
- communicate efficiently with people;
- be practical;
- have integrity and be responsible;
- have good health and physical strength;
- have good eyesight, hearing and coordination.
School Subjects
Grade 10 Certificate.
Some employers prefer higher qualifications.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mechanical Technology, Engineering and Graphic Design, Technical Drawing, Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Training
Diploma: FET colleges, such as Northlink, KZN Coastal.
Alternatively, register with an employer providing suitable training.
Certificate: There are three ways to qualify as a registered artisan:
1. An apprenticeship is a 4-year contract between company and apprentice, comprising a 12-week theoretical training, which includes 4 subjects at national exam level.
2. A learnership is a structured learning programme that leads to a qualification in a certain field. The learnership programme includes a theoretical and a practical component. It usually takes about a year to complete. The training takes place on-site (on the premises of the organisation). This has the advantage that the learner gets on-the-job experience whilst training.
3. FET colleges offer theoretical training to prospective artisans via the new National Certificate Vocational (NCV). During this 3-year programme (levels 2 to 4), learners complete a school-leaving certificate (this NCV) similar to the
new National Senior Certificate (NSC) in schools. They are also exposed to a practical workshop component.
All learners are required to complete a practical internship under the supervision of an experienced artisan. As an alternative to doing the full qualification, a learner can apply to do a skills programme at a FET College. Skills programmes are short practical hands-on courses.
For more information about qualifications and skills programmes, contact your nearest FET College. FET Colleges are accredited and funded by a SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) such as MERSETA or CHIETA. They also receive bursary funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for the NCV programme.
Learners must all receive training in occupational safety and first aid, fire-fighting and preventative security measures. Learners study everything about the installation, maintenance and repair of all electrical equipment. They must also become familiar with municipal legislation relevant to electricity supply and consumption.
Employer
- service stations of new and used car dealers
- independent repair shops
- vehicle service stations
- vehicle parts wholesalers and distributors
- bus and transport companies
- organizations that maintain their own vehicles
- government departments
- a motor mechanic with the necessary experience and capital, can start a business
Contact
MERSETA
P O Box 61826
Johannesburg, 2000
Tel: (011) 551-5202 Fax: 0866 730017
www.merseta.org.za