Trainee working on vehicle components

Motor Mechanics

Three-week trade test preparation for diagnosing, repairing and maintaining motor vehicles, buses, trucks and other automobiles.

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About Motor Mechanics

Motor mechanics maintain and repair motor vehicles, buses, trucks and other vehicles. They take the vehicle for a test drive and use electronic equipment to identify, confirm and locate the problem.

Motor mechanics may remove broken or damaged vehicle parts, order new parts, or repair and replace them directly. Work covers adjusting brakes, replacing shock absorbers, tightening bolts, aligning wheels, soldering radiator leaks, replacing oil and filters, and adjusting lights, heaters, mirrors and windscreen wipers.

How long does it take?

Three (3) weeks of preparation.

Minimum requirement

  • South African ID or passport
  • N2, Grade 9 or Grade 12
  • Candidates also complete the Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning process — we help you apply for this

What is Artisan Recognition of Prior Learning?

To qualify, one of the following criteria must be met:

Work experience routes
  • Minimum three (3) years relevant work experience within South Africa and an N2 four-subject certificate or equivalent qualification, including relevant trade theory.
  • Minimum three (3) years relevant work experience within South Africa and Relevant Engineering NC(V) NQF Level 3.
  • Minimum three (3) years relevant work experience within South Africa and Technical Grade 12 with Maths, Engineering Science and a related theory subject.
  • Minimum eighteen (18) months relevant work experience within South Africa, plus completion of all relevant work experience modules and Relevant Engineering NC(V) NQF Level 4.
  • Minimum eighteen (18) months relevant work experience within South Africa and a relevant N6 certificate or National Technical Diploma (S and N Stream).
  • Minimum four (4) years work experience within South Africa with Grade 9 (Standard 7).
Apprenticeship & learnership routes
  • Former apprentice who met the Section 13 trade test requirements, whose contract was rescinded before qualifying as an artisan.
  • Successful completion of a merSETA-registered NQF Level 2, 3 and 4 trade-related learnership, with a minimum of two (2) years inclusive of institutional and workplace components.
  • Former apprentice terminated under Section 13 before qualifying for a trade test, who can either prove eligibility for Artisan RPL based on skills acquired during formal training under Section 13, or has undergone additional approved training to meet the requirement.