Occupational Certificate: Automotive Motor Mechanic NQF Level 4

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

  Rationale:
  The Occupational Certificate in Automotive Motor Mechanic qualification is designed to provide learners with skills needed in the automotive industry, such as the maintenance and repair of vehicles to enable customers to use their vehicles productively, cost-effectively and safely, and to obtain the maximum benefit from their investment as well as complying with legal obligations relating to the condition and use of their vehicles. Learners may also be involved in activities such as routine 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, including the assembling, testing and commissioning of new or reconditioned parts for automotive vehicles. 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 vehicle fleets used for a variety of purposes.

  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. Owing to 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.

  The primary employers of Automotive Motor 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.

RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant entry requirements.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirements for the Occupational Certificate in Automotive Motor Mechanic qualification is NQF Level 1 qualification with a pass in Mathematics.

• 653101000-KM-01, Workplace fundamentals, at NQF Level 2, 9 Credits.
• 653101000-KM-02, Foundational concepts for mechanics, at NQF Level 2, 14 Credits.
• 653101000-KM-03, Vehicle and equipment fundamentals, at NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.
• 653101000-KM-04, Basic engine systems, at NQF Level 2, 8 Credits.
• 653101000-KM-05, Vehicle, equipment and propulsion systems, at NQF Level 3, 13 Credits.
• 653101000-KM-06, Electrical systems and basic electronic, hydraulic and pneumatic principles, at NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
• 653101000-KM-07, Advanced vehicle and equipment systems, at NQF Level 4, 30 Credits.
• 653101000-KM-08, Problem solving and engine optimisation, at NQF Level 4, 10 Credits.

  Practical Skill Modules, Totalling 162 Credits:

• 653101000-PM-01, Work safely and respond to emergencies, at NQF Level 2, 6 Credits.
• 653101000-PM-02, Use tools and equipment, at NQF Level 2, 26 Credits.
• 653101000-PM-03, Cut and join metals, at NQF Level 2, 5 Credits.
• 653101000-PM-04, Remove and install mechanical components (gaskets, seals, bearings and locking devices), at NQF Level 2, 6 Credits.
• 653101000-PM-05, Work with auto-electric and auto-electronic components, at NQF Level 2, 2 Credits.
• 653101000-PM-06, Work with fluid power components, at NQF Level 2, 2 Credits.
• 653101000-PM-07, Maintain and service vehicles and vehicle components, at NQF Level 2, 6 Credits.
• 653101000-PM-08, Dismantle, assess and reassemble engines and engine sub-assemblies, at NQF Level 3, 15 Credits.
• 653101000-PM-09, Dismantle, assess and reassemble vehicle sub-assemblies, at NQF Level 3, 8 Credits.
• 653101000-PM-10, Remove, test, repair and refit engines and vehicle components, at NQF Level 3, 7 Credits.
• 653101000-PM-11, Diagnose and repair vehicle systems, at NQF Level 4, 46 Credits.
• 653101000-PM-12, Diagnose and repair electrical systems, at NQF Level 4, 14 Credits.
• 653101000-PM-13, Diagnose and repair electronically controlled vehicle systems, at NQF Level 4, 19 Credits.

  Work Experience Modules, Totalling 270 Credits:

• 653101000-WM-01, Routine scheduled services, at NQF Level 2, 18 Credits.
• 653101000-WM-02, Removal and replacement of engine sub-systems (including batteries), at NQF Level 3, 12 Credits.
• 653101000-WM-03, Removal and replacement of vehicle sub-systems, at NQF Level 3, 16 Credits.
• 653101000-WM-04, Engine removal and installation processes, at NQF Level 3, 20 Credits.
• 653101000-WM-05, Repair processes (gearboxes, differentials and engines), at NQF Level 3, 28 Credits.
• 653101000-WM-06, Diagnosis and repair of electrical systems (charging, starting, lighting and auxiliary), at NQF Level 4, 36 Credits.
• 653101000-WM-07, Diagnosis and repair of engines and engine sub-systems, at NQF Level 4, 36 Credits.
• 653101000-WM-08, Diagnosis and repair of brake systems, at NQF Level 4, 40 Credits.
• 653101000-WM-09, Diagnosis and repair of drive train systems, at NQF Level 4, 28 Credits.
• 653101000-WM-10, Diagnosis and repair of steering and suspension systems, at NQF Level 4, 36 Credits 36.

• Understanding of general principles and critical issues relating to performing scheduled maintenance on light motor vehicles according to accepted industry standards is demonstrated.
• The service is performed according to the manufacturer’s schedule, specifications and timeframes.
• Technical information is sourced and correctly interpreted.
• The maintenance report accurately reflecting the condition of all the required components and systems, including defective components is produced.
• Components are removed, replaced and tested as per the service schedule.
• The work is systematically planned and the work area is prepared according to task requirements.
• All activities are performed with confidence and workmanship meeting industry standards is ensured.
• All activities are performed according to safety and environmental requirements.

  Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

• Understanding of the general principles and critical issues relating to removing, disassembling, assessing and replacing engine and vehicle system components according to accepted industry standards is demonstrated.
• Systems and subsystems in the motor vehicle are removed, disassembled, assessed and replaced according to applicable standard processes and to the manufacturer’s specifications.
• The work is systematically planned and the work area is prepared according to task requirements.
• All waste materials are disposed of and the work area is restored according to health, safety and environmental requirements.

  Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

• Understanding of the operating principles of light motor vehicle systems and components is demonstrated.
• Understanding of general principles and critical issues relating to diagnosing and repairing faults in light motor vehicles according to accepted industry standards is demonstrated.
• All faults are diagnosed correctly and within stipulated timeframes.
• Diagnostic equipment is operated according to the manufacturer’s procedures and standards.
• Diagnostic codes and events are correctly interpreted.
• Technical information is sourced and correctly interpreted.
• Faults are repaired according to the manufacturer’s procedures and specifications.
• The work is systematically planned and the work area is prepared according to task requirements.

  Integrated Assessment:
  Integrated Formative Assessment:
  The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative assessment.

  Integrated Summative Assessment:
  An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner, is required for the issuing of this qualification. The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria. The external assessment will be conducted through a trade test conducted in terms of Section 26D of the Skills Development Act and the Trade Test regulations. The assessment will consist of written and practical tasks covering critical aspects of the trade in a simulated environment at an assessment centre accredited by QCTO and conducted by an Assessor registered by National Artisan Moderation Body (NAMB). The assessment will take place over a minimum of 3 days.

Universal Technical Institute:
The Universal Technical Institute in the United States of America offers an Automotive Technician Training. This training focuses on diagnosing, maintaining and repairing domestic and foreign automobiles. Learners also find out how to troubleshoot problems of all kinds, using the latest engine analysers, handheld scanners and other computerised diagnostic equipment.

They will learn everything from basic engine systems to computerised fuel injection, anti-lock brakes, passenger restraint systems, computerised engine controls and much more.

Cork Institute of Technology:
The Cork Institute of Technology in Ireland offers a Certificate in Mechanical Automotive Technology and Automotive Technology Electrical. This qualification covers fundamentals of automotive technology and automotive electricity. The areas covered include engines, transmissions, brakes, suspension, steering and automobile electrical components, circuits and systems.

Conclusion:
This qualification compares favourably with Automotive Mechanic qualifications offered in Canada, United States of America and Ireland. All qualifications focus on providing learners with knowledge of the important aspect of vehicles such as fuel, servicing and repairs. Learners are expected to undergo hands-on practice in order to complete the qualification.

Horizontal Articulation:

• Further Education and Training Certificate in Automotive Components in Manufacturing and Assembly, Level 4 (ID 71949).
• Further Education and Training Certificate in Automotive Repair and Maintenance, NQF Level 4 (ID 58539).

  Vertical Articulation:

• National Certificate N4: Engineering studies, NQF Level 5 (ID 66881).

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