Transportation Electrician (Automotive Electrician)

The purpose of this trade qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as an Automotive Electrician. An Automotive Electrician tests, diagnoses, services, replaces, repairs and maintains automotive electrical wiring, electrical and electronic systems and their components. A qualified learner will be able to: • Remove and install a range of original/aftermarket/auxiliary auto-electrical equipment and/or components/systems. • Test, diagnose, replace and service automotive batteries and related components. • Test, diagnose and repair automotive starting and charging systems. • Conduct basic vehicle service operations in an auto-electrical environment. • Test, diagnose and repair automotive networking and data transfer systems and supplemental restraint systems (SRS)Test, diagnose and repair systems for integrated engine management (fuel injection and ignition), vehicle stability, traction and drive control (VSTDC), transmission, ABS braking, and driver assistance. • Test, diagnose and repair systems for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), climate control, convenience, security and telematics.

Automotive Electricians provide essential services to users of all automotive motor vehicles in the country. Automotive Electricians perform a variety of tasks to service, maintain and repair automotive electrical systems. The role of Automotive Electricians is further amplified by the fact that the engineering relating to modern vehicles constitutes a sophisticated integration of mechanical, electrical and electronic systems, with the electrical and electronic aspects becoming increasingly embedded in the operations of the mechanical systems of the vehicles. The work of Automotive Electricians enables customers to use their vehicles productively, cost-effectively and safely. This enables customers to obtain maximum benefit from their investment as well as to comply with legal obligations relating to the condition and use of their vehicles. The main users of automotive vehicles in South Africa are the general public, public entities and commercial organisations. The latter two often own vehicle fleets used for a variety of purposes. In response to engineering and technology developments related to automotive vehicles, the work of the Automotive Electrician increasingly involves an accurate diagnosis of faults using diagnostic electrical/electronic equipment, the removal and replacement of faulty, worn or defective components and the repair of such components. Because of warranty and safety considerations, Original Equipment Manufacturers set stringent standards for any auto-electrical repair or maintenance work carried out on vehicles. This qualification is designed to equip qualifying learners to meet these standards. This qualification is a review of the registered qualification which does not meet SAQA and QCTO requirements, especially in terms of the shortfall in the number of credits for each of the components - knowledge, practical skills and work experience modules. Furthermore, in this review, provision has been made for three part-qualifications, each one providing learners with a set of competencies that would allow them to practise a specific occupation in the industry. The part-qualifications are: • Automotive Battery Fitter and Tester. • Original/Aftermarket Auto-electrical System. • Component Fitter and Bench Worker. Learners who complete all the three-part- qualifications, and the other modules that are not covered by the part-qualifications, can apply for a trade test after completing the other outstanding modules of the qualification, to obtain the Automotive Electrician qualification. Learners entering this qualification will typically be school or FET College leavers. The primary employers of Automotive Electricians are motor dealerships, government departments, major companies that have vehicle fleets. These essential public services use emergency vehicles and ambulances, as well as independent workshops. Qualified Automotive Electricians may also become self-employed by opening their maintenance or repair facilities. This qualification will also enable qualified Automotive Electricians to keep abreast of on-going technological developments in the industry and thus provide a basis for further career development. Learners acquiring this qualification can progress to perform advanced diagnosis of auto-electrical systems at a higher level. The qualification will open employment opportunities in a growing and essential sector of the economy.

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 and Science.

• Remove and install a range of original and/or aftermarket auto-electrical systems and/or components.
• Test, diagnose, replace and service automotive batteries and related components.
• Test, diagnose and repair automotive starting and charging systems.
• Conduct basic vehicle service operations in an auto-electrical environment.
• Test, diagnose and repair automotive networking and data transfer systems and supplemental restraint systems (SRS).
• Test, diagnose and repair integrated engine management (fuel injection and ignition), vehicle stability, traction and drive control (VSTDC), transmission, ABS braking, driver assistance and vehicle electrical systems.
• Test, diagnose and repair heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC), climate control, convenience, security and telematics systems.