Diesel Mechanic

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to qualify as a Diesel Mechanic. A Diesel Mechanic maintains, tests and repairs commercial vehicles (more than 3 tons GMV) including engines, mechanical parts, transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes. A qualified learner will be able to: • Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on diesel vehicles. • Dismantle, inspect, assess, repair and assemble diesel engine and vehicle system components. • Diagnose and repair faults in diesel engine and vehicle systems and their components.

The Occupational Certificate: Diesel Mechanic is a Trade qualification and is a review of the existing registered Occupational Certificate: Diesel Mechanic. The automotive maintenance and repair industry provides essential services to users of automotive motor vehicles. The main users in South Africa are the general public, public entities and commercial organisations owning a variety of vehicle fleets for a variety of purposes. These vehicles include trucks, buses, fire engines and other related specialised vehicles such as drill rigs, battlefield equipment used by small, medium and large private and public enterprises to transport goods and passengers. Diesel Mechanic performs a variety of skilled tasks to service, maintain and repair 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. Such vehicles need to function effectively and be well maintained in order to meet road safety and environmental standards. The construction of diesel vehicles and engines 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. Learners will be trained to perform a variety of skilled tasks as Diesel Mechanic to contribute to the success of the related business of their employers in organisations running fleet services, in maintenance and repair services, and dealerships and independent workshops. Once qualified as Diesel Mechanic, learners will be able to perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on diesel vehicles, dismantle, inspect, assess, repair and assemble diesel engine and vehicle system components and diagnose and repair faults in diesel engine and vehicle systems and their components. They may also be involved in the assembly, testing and commissioning of new or reconditioned parts for engines and automotive vehicles. The primary employers of automotive vehicle mechanics are the retail motor sector, mining, construction and farming, agriculture and those of government departments that provide essential public services such as emergency vehicles and ambulances. Qualified mechanics may also become self-employed and open their 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): 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 results or by certifying a work experience record. RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. Entry requirements: • NQF Level 1 qualification with mathematics.

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