Automotive / Motor Mechanic

OFO No: 653101


Other names for a Automotive Mechanic:

  • Air Conditioning Technician (Automotive)
  • Auto Engineer / Mechanic
  • Automatic Transmission Mechanic
  • Automotive Fitter
  • Automotive Mechanic
  • Automotive Mechanician
  • Automotive Surveyo
  • Brake and Clutch Mechanic / Repairer / Fitter
  • Fuel Injection Mechanic
  • Fuel Injection Pump Mechanic
  • Garage Mechanic
  • Mechanical Service Advisor (Vehicles)
  • Motor Mechanic
  • Patrol Officer Automobile Association
  • Service Mechanic
  • Vehicle Mechanic
  • Vehicle Radiator Mechanic

 

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Meet a female Auto Mechanic!

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SA’s Merseta’s – All about becoming a Motor Mechanic

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

 

What is an Automotive / Motor Mechanic?

Mechanics are like machine doctors. Their job is to diagnose the problem(s) with cars/motorcycles.

Customers bring broken-down and damaged motor vehicles to Mechanics to find out the cause of the problems. Mechanics estimate the cost and then do the repairs.

Customers also bring their vehicles to Mechanics for servicing and maintenance inspections.  

Motor Mechanics may specialize:

Some Mechanics focus only on electrical issues, only in diesel motors, while others may choose to specialise in the mechanical aspects.

For the particularly gifted Mechanic, the world of professional racing is also a potential career option.   

What does an Automotive / Motor Mechanic do?

  • talks with clients – discusses vehicle/motorcycle faults and what needs to be done
  • uses diagnostic testing to determine cause of improper functioning
  • removes broken or damaged parts
  • orders new parts
  • repairs or replace broken or damaged parts and puts the vehicle back together in good working condition.
  • adjusts brakes, tighten body bolts, align wheels and perform routine services to prevent motor vehicle problems
  • services vehicles and motorcycles
  • tunes engines and changes oils
  • keeps records

Are you … ?

  • mechanically minded?
  • passionate about cars and bikes?
  • someone with strong interpersonal skills?
  • good with your hands?
  • able to multi-task?
  • a problem solver?
  • methodical and logical?
  • able to work well with others?

How do I become an Automotive / Motor Mechanic?

You can choose one of these career pathways:

PATH 1

  • Apprenticeship (training at a TVET college with practical training under a qualified artisan)
  • Trade Test

PATH 2

  • Learnership – Automotive Repair & Maintenance (passenger & light vehicles) 2, 3 and 4
  • Trade Test

PATH 3

  • Learnership – Automotive Repair & Maintenance (commercial vehicles) 2, 3 and 4
  • Trade Test

PATH 4

  • Learnership – Automotive Repair & Maintenance (earthmoving equipment) 2, 3 and 4
  • Trade Test

PATH 5

  • Learnership – Automotive Repair & Maintenance (lift trucks) 2, 3 and 4
  • Trade Test

PATH 6

  • Learnership – Automotive Repair & Maintenance 2, 3 and 4
  • Trade Test

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. 
  • MerSETA

http://www.merseta.org.za/Home.aspx

Approved and accredited MerSETA training companies: Type your trade choice in and click on FIND.

http://ww2.merseta.org.za/OrgIndex.asp?page=sites

  • IMPERIAL TECHNICAL TRAINING ACADEMY
  • DAMELIN
  • AA TRAINING ACADEMY
  • COLLIER TRAINING COLLEGE

 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Automotive Electrician … or …  Automotive Sheetmetal Worker

Is becoming an Automotive / Motor Mechanic the right career choice for me?