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Career: Automotive Machinist |
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Automotive machinists are skilled metalworkers who build, assemble, and renew internal combustion engines and engine components according to manufacturer specifications. They perform a variety of machining operations on engines and engine components of used vehicles.
When vehicle engines are worn out, they burn too much oil and fuel and have to be rebuilt. This process includes the dismantling and cleaning of the engine, grinding various parts and manufacturing and fitting others. Automotive machinists inspect all the components thoroughly for cracks and other faults, then clean and rebuild parts where necessary. When turning and fitting the different parts, the re-assembling of the engine's substructure has to be carefully done, before the engine parts can be balanced. The engine is then 'mounted' and a dynamometer used to test if the engine functions correctly.
The work is very precise and is usually carried out indoors, in well-equipped workshops. Working conditions can be somewhat dirty and noisy, as lathes, grinders, drilling and milling machines are used. |
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Some satisfying aspects of this career |
- working with your hands
- steady employment
- being able to see the results of your work
- opportunities to perform a variety of tasks |
Some demanding aspects of this career |
- noisy environment
- possible injury on the job
- being on your feet most of the day
- sometimes having to work overtime |
Requirements |
An automotive machinist should:
- be at least 16 years old;
- be able to work independently;
- be able to concentrate on details;
- perform work very accurately, with an eye for detail;
- enjoy working with his hands;
- have mathematical aptitude;
- be able to work with mechanical tools;
- have finger and hand dexterity;
- have good eye-hand coordination;
- possess good physical health and stamina;
- have good eyesight and hearing. |
School Subjects |
Grade 10 Certificate.
Some employers demand higher qualifications.
COMPULSORY SUBJECTS: Mathematics
RECOMMENDED SUBJECTS: Metalwork, Technical Drawing, Motor Mechanics, Motor Vehicle Construction, Trade Theory |
Training |
LEARNERSHIP REQUIREMENTS:
Firstly, registration with an employer, provided that suitable training is required. Training comprises theoretical and practical components:
Theoretical training: At a FET College or a correspondence course at Technisa
Practical training: In-service training under supervision of a qualified tradesman
Duration of course: 85 weeks, depending on the progress of the candidate in the modular system.
Final examination: A compulsory trade test set by the Department of Labour to qualify as an artisan. |
Employer |
- Motor car assembly factories
- Motor engineering industry
- Garages
- Independent workshops
- Motor manufacturing industry
- Organisations that maintain their own vehicles
- Government departments |
Contact |
Motor Industries Federation
P O Box 2940
Randburg, 2125
Tel: (011) 789-2542
Motor Industries Training Board
P O Box 3770
Randburg, 2125
Tel: (011) 792-8570 |
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