Other names for a Automotive Mechanic:

CLICK HERE

Meet a female Auto Mechanic!

CLICK HERE

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?

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?

OFO No:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Merseta’s – Metal Machinist (Automotive Sector)

What is an Automotive Machinist?

An Automotive Machinist is a trained metalworker who is skilled to renew or build internal combustion engines and engine components according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

What does an Automotive Machinist do?

• diagnoses faults
• inspects all the components thoroughly for cracks and other faults
• dismantles and cleans engines
• grinds various parts
• cleans and rebuilds parts
• manufactures and fits parts
• re-assembles
• tests if the engine functions correctly

Are you … ?

• interested in motor vehicles?
• able to work on your own?
• able to concentrate?
• willing to work in a noisy environment?
• accurate?
• good with your hands and fingers?
• mathematically inclined?
• a person with good eye-hand coordination?
• healthy?

How do I become an Automotive Machinist?

• 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

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

Compulsory school subjects: Mathematics and English.

Recommended school subjects: Woodwork, Workshop Theory and related subjects.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Automotive Electrician … or … Boilermaker

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

Automotive sheet metal workers cut and shape sheet metal components into the correct forms and sizes for the bodywork of vehicles. 

What does a Automotive Sheet Metal Worker do?

• checking the correct measurements of forms and sizes
• setting up and operating fabricating machines to cut and bend
• cutting and shaping sheet metal components over anvils, blocks or shapes into the correct forms and sizes for the bodywork of vehicles
• using electrical and gas-welding techniques to join pieces
• checking that the components fit together perfectly
• filing, sanding and smoothing the sheet metal so it’s completely smooth
• drawing plans

Are you … ?

• interested in metals?
• a person with good eye-hand co-ordination?
• mathematically inclined?
• able to work accurately and neatly?
• willing to work in a noisy environment?
• a person with good hand and finger dexterity?
• healthy?
• a person with good vision and colour discrimination?

How do I become a Automotive Sheet Metal Worker?

Further Education and Training Colleges (FET) offer programmes for specific Trade or Skills set such as sheet metal work.

We advise contacting these institutions directly.

Visit the Career Planet Training Institutions page to find your nearest FET College.

For example:

• EASTCAPE TRAINING CENTRE:

http://www.etc.org.za/Course.aspx?ID=255

• IFT ACADEMY (PTY) LTD:

http://www.ifta.co.za/services/

Apprentice or learnership programmes may be available – look out for them.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Automotive Trimmer or Earth Moving Equipment Mechanic 

Is becoming an Automotive Sheetmetal Worker the right career choice for me?

See below for more info.

CLICK HERE

SA’s Merseta’s description of Spray Painter

CLICK HERE

Meet a Jordan Atkins, 2014 World Skills Spray Painter

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is an Automotive Spray Painter?

Automotive Spray Painters can also be known as Vehicle Spray Painters or just Spray Painters.

Vehicle Spray Painters spray paint the bodywork of vehicles from small passenger cars to large trucks.

They use specialised spray guns and they usually work in a spray booth. A spray booth is an enclosed, dust-free area. This is very important as the smallest dust particle will leave a bubble-like mark in the paint when it dries.

Vehicle Spray Painters may work on new vehicles on a production line or for a coachworks / panelbeating company where they will re-spray the ‘new’ area or the whole car after the panelbeaters have finished their work.

What does an Automotive Spray Painter do?

• works alongside panelbeaters
• mixes paints until the exact colour is matched
• removes dirt, dust or grease before spraypainting
• makes sure metal is completely smooth before commencing
• covers / masks areas that are not going to be spray painted
• applies 4 to 5 coats of required colour evenly
• allows paint to dry between coats

Are you …?

• passionate about cars?
• interested in spray painting?
• observant?
• a perfectionist?
• patient?
• detail orientated?

How do I become an Automotive Spray Painter?

Most Further Education and Training Colleges (FET or TVET) may offer programmes for specific Trade or Skills set such as automotive spray painting.

We advise contacting these institutions directly.

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. 

• FALSE BAY COLLEGE

• AUTOMOTIVE TRAINING ACADEMY

Offers Paint Shop Training – all aspects related to spray painting

• SAQA (SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY)

National Certificate: Automotive Spray Painter

• 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

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Airbrush Artist … or …  Automotive Trimmer 

Is becoming an Automotive Spray Painter the right career choice for me? 

What is a Wheel Alignment Technician?

If the wheels of your car are not ‘aligned’ (at the right angle) – it could cause serious problems.

Wheel Alignment Technicians are responsible for keeping your wheels aligned so that the wear and tear on tyres and engines is minimised, saving a lot of money in the long run.

For example:

• The tires wear out quickly
• Car vibrates
• The car will ‘pull’ to one side and not stay in a straight line
• Long term mechanical problems including steering parts get damaged

If the incorrect alignment of wheels is ignored – it could end up being very expensive! 

What does a Wheel Alignment Technician do?

• discusses problems with client
• takes notes
• checks the 3 alignment angle:  camber angle / toe angle and the caster angle
• adjusts the angles using specialised equipment
• tests the adjustments
• keeps records

Are you . . . ?

• passionate about cars?
• mechanically minded?
• hard working?
• detail orientated?
• responsible?
• reliable?

How do I become a Wheel Alignment Technician?

• PHILTRU TRAINING

http://www.philtrutraining.co.za/courses/

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. 

Another way to become a Wheel Alignment Technician is to approach a wheel alignment company directly.  They may offer in-house training. 

If you start at the bottom of the company and show that you are hard-working and dedicated, the company may send you on a training course for you to become a Wheel Alignment Technician.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Automotive Electrician … or … Diesel Mechanic

Is becoming a Wheel Alignment Technician the right career choice for me?

Other names for Automotive Body Repairer:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Merseta’s: Vehicle Body Builder

What is an Automotive Body Repairer?

Automotive Body Repairers repair damage to metal, plastic and fibreglass bodywork on different types of vehicles.

They also produce their own vehicle panels by using machines or hand tools.

What does an Automotive Body Repairer do?

• removes and repairs damaged vehicle panels and components with specialist tools and equipment
• welds
• repairs dents in surfaces using power and hand tools
• fits the repaired panels on the framework of the vehicle
• refits body hardware, such as door locks and door trims
• replaces badly damaged sections with new or second-hand panels
  
• realigns chassis and body frames
• removes and replaces accident-related mechanical items
• removes and replaces auto-electric components
• helps vehicle body builders to build custom-designed, speciality or vintage vehicles
• assists with spray painting vehicles

Are you … ?

• passionate about cars?
• good at practical and manual work?
• able to work with hand tools and machines?
• good at hand-eye coordination?
• able to visualise concepts and the end product?
• good at technical activities and technical drawings?
• a perfectionist?

How do I become an Automotive Body Repairer?

• 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

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Automotive Components (Manufacturing and Assembly) Level 3, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Learnership – Automotive Manufacturing and Assembly (Vehicle Assembly) Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• Learnership – Automotive Manufacturing and assembly (Paint Operations) Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• Learnership – Automotive Manufacturing and assembly (Body Construction) Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• Learnership – CNC Production Machining NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 7

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Automotive Body Repairer without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• 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. 

Here’s one example:

• FALSE BAY COLLEGE: (Westlake)

Offers a 1 year (6 months at college, 6 months in the workplace) programme: National Certificate: Automotive Body Repair NQF Level 2

Minimum requirements:  Grade 9 or Level 1 or equivalent.

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Automotive Mechanic … or … Armature Winder

Is becoming a Automotive Body Repairer the right career choice for me?

Other names for Motorcycle Mechanic:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – A day in the life of a Motorcycle Mechanic

For training options in South Africa – scroll down

What is a Motorcycle Mechanic?

A Motorcycle Mechanic is a tradesperson.

They are responsible for the inspection, maintenance and repair of motorcycles/and or scooters. They may also attend ATV’s (all-terrain vehicles).

As motorcycles become a more popular means of transport due to petrol prices, Motorcycle Mechanics more in demand.

What does a Motorcycle Mechanic do?

• writes out quotations
• checks the motorcycle: shocks, brakes, etc
• replaces or re-aligns worn or used parts
• changes oil
• welds and reconstructs of parts (in some cases)
• trouble-shoots (finding what the problem is)
• restores motorcycles
• keeps records

Are you … ?

• passionate about motorcycles?
• good with your hands?
• mechanically minded?
• observant?
• responsible?
• accurate?

How do I become a Motorcycle Mechanic?

• 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

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Automotive Repair and Maintenance (Motorcycles) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• National Certificate: Engineering Studies: N1, N2 and N3
• These can be done at a lot of TVET (FET) colleges. Check out yours.
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Motorscycle Mechanic without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• 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. 

Private Trainer:

• IMPERIAL TECHNICAL TRAINING ACADEMY

http://www.itta.co.za/Courses.aspx

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Automotive Mechanic … or … Heavy Equipment Mechanic

Is becoming a Motorcycle Mechanic the right career choice for me? 

Other names for Automotive Trimmer:

CLICK HERE

Youtube clip – Merseta’s – Automotive Trimmer

What is an Automotive Trimmer?

Do you enjoy TV shows like ‘Pimp my Ride’, ‘Overhaulin’ or ‘Counting Cars’? Are you passionate about cars and have an eye for detail … considering a career as an Automotive Trimmer might be a road worth traveling.

Automotive Trimmers are like ‘car upholsterers’ who are specialised tradesmen that repair, modify and create new internal furnishings of motor cars.

For example:

• seats and headrests
• roof linings
• boot linings
• floors
• door interiors etc

Automotive Trimmers can work for themselves, in automotive garages or in automotive factories.

What does an Automotive Trimmer do?

• reads patterns and sketches
• chooses the right type of material for every part of the vehicle
• measures quantities of material needed
• orders material needed
• marks and cuts materials according to patterns
• removes seats, handles etc before commencing ‘trimming’
• uses tools such as scissors, needles, tongs, hammers, screwdrivers
• uses special sewing machines
• replaces all hinges, handles etc
• checks that the seats of the vehicle are fitted in the correct position after their work is finished

Are you … ?

• passionate about cars?
• interested in materials?
• neat and thorough?
• a perfectionist?
  
• responsible?
• strong, especially your hands?
• accurate and patient?

How do I become an Automotive Trimmer?

• 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

PATH 1

• Apprenticeship
• Trade Test

PATH 2

• Learnership – Automotive Repair and Maintenance (Automotive Body Repairer) Level 2
• Learnership – Automotive Body Repairer Level 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 3

• Learnership – Furniture Production: Upholstery NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
• Trade Test

PATH 4

• National Certificate: Motor Body Repairing: N1, N2 (Motor Body Repairing)
• National Certificate: Engineering Studies: N3
  
• All can be done at a lot of TVET (FET) colleges
• Workplace experience
• Trade Test

PATH 5

• Artisan Internship
• Trade Test

PATH 6

• RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
• If you have already been working a long time as a Automotive Trimmer without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
• 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. 

Private Place:

• McCARTHY’s TRIMMERS

http://www.mccarthystrim.co.za/training-school.html

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER:  Upholsterer … or … Automotive Vehicle Spray Painter … or … Interior Designer

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

Vehicle Body Builders design and build chassis for vehicles like trucks, trailers, light delivery vehicles and buses.

In modern factories where almost everything is mechanised, vehicle body builders specialise in one sector of the manufacturing process such as attaching door panels to the body of the vehicle.

Working from plans, drawings and specifications, they measure out materials, saw or cut them to size and fit and weld them together to form chassis.