Heavy Equipment Mechanic

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Heavy Equipment Mechanic. A Heavy Equipment Mechanic maintains, diagnoses faults in and repairs heavy equipment such as earth moving or mining equipment, including engines, mechanical parts and hydraulically or electrically powered systems. A qualified learner will be able to: • Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on heavy equipment. • Dismantle, assess, repair and reassemble heavy equipment engine and power train system components. • Diagnose and repair faults in heavy equipment diesel engine and power train systems.

The heavy equipment maintenance and repair industry provides essential services to users of heavy equipment. The main users in South Africa are the mining, construction, agricultural and forestry sectors. Heavy Equipment Mechanics perform a variety of skilled tasks which enable these economically significant sectors to use the equipment productively, cost-effectively and safely, so as to obtain the maximum benefit from their investment and to comply with legal obligations relating to the condition and use of the equipment. Heavy equipment has become highly complex, and repair and maintenance activities have to adhere to stringent standards set by the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). This qualification will equip qualifying learners to meet these standards. Once qualified, learners will be involved in activities such as the maintenance of heavy equipment 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 heavy equipment. Learners may also be involved in the assembly, testing and commissioning of new or rebuilt equipment. Learners entering this qualification will typically be school leavers or TVET College graduates. The primary employers of Heavy Equipment Mechanics are OEMs, mining houses and construction firms. They may also find employment with plant-hire, repair or re-conditioning facilities. This qualification will also enable qualifying learners to keep abreast of ongoing technological developments in the industry and 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 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 with a pass in Mathematics.

• Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on heavy equipment.
• Dismantle, assess, repair and reassemble heavy equipment engine and power train system components.
• Diagnose and repair faults in heavy equipment diesel engine and power train systems.