Automotive Electrician

OFO No:


What is an Automotive Electrician?

An Auto Electrician is a tradesman. They specialise in electrical wiring of motor vehicles. 

Auto Electricians may be employed in the installation of new electrical parts or the maintenance and repair of existing electrical parts in cars or commercial vehicles.

Here is a short list of some of the parts they may need to work on:

  • fuel pumps
  • brakes, alarms
  • air conditioning
  • indicators
  • generators
  • electronic fuel injection systems
  • electric gear shift control systems
  • ignition systems, gauges and instruments etc

What does an Automotive Electrician do?

  • discusses problems with vehicle owners
  • uses their knowledge of automotive electrical circuits and test instruments to diagnose and isolate faults
  • researches and orders parts from books or on the computer
  • adjusts, repairs or replaces faulty parts and components
  • reads and uses service manuals
  • tests, refits and adjusts repaired electrical systems for optimum performance
  • prepares and issues invoices and estimates of repair costs
  • maintains stock
  • deals with difficult customers

Are you … ?

  • dexterous? –  good with your hands?
  • able to detailed work?
  • a problem-solver?
  • a person with good vision?
  • mechanically minded?
  • willing to keep up to date with technology?
  • interested in working with tools?
  • able to follow routine procedures?
  • patient?
  • good at reading and writing?
  • good with people?
  • safety conscious?

How do I become an Automotive Electrician?

Further Education and Training Colleges (FET / TVET) 

TRAINING:

  • CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
  • Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
  • To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
  • CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

Minimum requirements:

  • 16 years of age 
  • Grade 10 (Standard 8) 
  • However a Grade 11 (Standard 9) or Matric (Standard 10) with Maths and Science would be preferred

 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Electrician … or … Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Mechanic

Is becoming a Automotive Electrician the right career choice for me?