Description
Diesel mechanics diagnose and repair the mechanical and electrical faults of diesel vehicles and machinery. Diesel mechanics diagnose engine trouble, dismantle the engine when necessary, and replace or repair defective parts. They reassemble the engine and repair mechanical and electrical faults in construction machinery. In most cases electrical diagnostic equipment is used to locate problems - experienced diesel mechanics are able to locate a problem by listening to the noise in the engine. Mechanical parts are replaced or minor adjustments made.
The Occupational Certificate in Diesel Mechanic is designed to equip learners with skills and knowledge to operate vehicles in a productive, cost-effective and in an efficient way. These vehicles include, trucks, buses, fire engines and other related specialised vehicles such as drill rigs, battle field equipment used by small, medium and large private and public enterprises to transport goods and passengers. Such vehicles need to function effectively and be well maintained in order to meet road safety and environmental standards. Learners will be trained to perform a variety of skilled tasks as Diesel Mechanic who contribute to the success of related business if their employers in organisations running fleet services, in maintenance and repair services, and also in dealerships and independent workshops. In the mining and minerals sector diesel mechanics repair and maintain the diesel engines that power transportation equipment such as heavy trucks, as well as cranes and bulldozers.
Duties of the diesel mechanic include detecting engine trouble, taking apart an engine when necessary, replacing or repairing defective equipment / machinery parts and repairing mechanical and electrical faults in machinery. Diesel mechanics usually work with hand tools such as wrenches and pliers, as well as power tools such as welding equipment, jacks and hoists. They usually need to inspect, test, and listen to defective equipment to identify malfunctions, using test instruments such as handheld computers, motor analysers, chassis charts, and pressure gauges.
What Will I Learn?
- Perform preventative and scheduled maintenance on diesel vehicles.
- Dismantle, inspect, assess, repair and assemble diesel engine and vehicle system components.
- Diagnose and repair faults in diesel engine and vehicle systems and their components.
Duration
- Fulltime – 36 months
- RPL – to be completed within a year.
Entry Level Requirements
- NQF Level 1 with a 50% pass in mathematics (not mathematical literacy)