Automotive Motor Mechanic

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Automotive Motor Mechanic. An Automotive Motor Mechanic maintains, tests, diagnoses and repairs petrol and diesel light motor vehicles and the mechanical parts thereof including but not limited to drive trains, engines, fuel systems, electric and electronic systems, transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes. A qualified learner will be able to: • Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on petrol and diesel road vehicles • Disassemble, inspect, assess, repair, and assemble petrol and diesel road vehicle engine and vehicle system components. • Diagnose and repair faults in petrol and diesel engine and vehicle systems and their components.

The automotive maintenance and repair industry provides essential services to users of automotive motor vehicles. The main users in South Africa are the public, public entities and commercial organisations owning vehicle fleets used for a variety of purposes. Automotive motor mechanics perform a variety of skilled tasks to service, maintain and repair automotive motor vehicles. This enables customers to use their vehicles productively, cost-effectively, and safely, and to obtain the maximum benefit from their investment as well as comply with their legal obligations relating to the condition and use of their vehicles. The construction of automotive vehicles has become very complex, and the engineering has become a sophisticated integration of mechanical, electric, electronic, networking, and electronic management systems (computers). In response, the work of the mechanic has shifted from primarily performing mechanical and electrical repairs to diagnosing faults using electronic management systems and pinpointing and then replacing defective components. Because of warranty and safety considerations, Original Equipment Manufacturers set stringent standards for the servicing, maintenance, and repair of the vehicles. This qualification is designed to equip qualifying learners to meet these standards. Once qualified as Automotive Motor Mechanic, learners will be involved in activities such as the maintenance of automotive motor vehicles through regular scheduled services, the repair or replacement of components and parts, and the diagnosing and repair of system faults in a variety of types and models of automotive vehicles. They may also be involved in the assembly, testing and commissioning of new or reconditioned parts for automotive vehicles. The primary employers of automotive vehicle mechanics are the retail motor sector and organisational service departments, including those of government departments and essential public services such as emergency vehicles and ambulances. Qualified mechanics may also become self-employed and open their own maintenance or repair facilities. This qualification will also enable qualified mechanics to keep abreast of on-going technological developments in the industry and, thus, provide a basis for further career development.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL): • Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification. • Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through 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 confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result. Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: • NQF Level 1 with Mathematics and Science.

• Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on petrol and diesel road vehicles.
• Dismantle, inspect, assess, repair, and assemble engine and vehicle system components.
• Diagnose and repair faults in petrol and diesel engines and vehicle systems and their components.