There are about 10 million vehicles on South African roads according to a World Bank survey, and each year thousands of new cars are being manufactured and sold. The automotive industry is big in this country. Getting a recognised engineering qualification in motor mechanics, as offered via distance learning by Oxbridge Academy, can help you find your place in this industry and start building a career.

1. How to Become a Motor Mechanic
1. Start early
It’s never too early to start developing your skills.
● There are books and online articles you can read.
● You can tinker around with old car parts.
● You can help people you know work on their cars.
● You can job shadow a professional mechanic .
● You can even start studying a Motor
Mechanic course part-time from the age of 16.
2. Get your education
Today’s motors are much more
technologically complex than those of 10 or
20 years ago. Technical training is thus a
must.
A great way to get training is to study
part-time via distance learning, while
starting to work at a garage.
Oxbridge Academy offers
N1 to N3 courses in both
diesel and petrol Motor
Mechanic Engineering
3.Find a job or apprenticeship
Your first job will be an entry-level position or
apprenticeship.
There is a wide range of jobs you can get in a variety of
work environments. You can work in a mechanic’s shop,
or for a large company in their service department.
4.Get on-the-job training
Most companies will give you on-the-job
training. This is especially the case with specialist
companies or companies where you are
expected to fulfill a certain specialist role.
5. Pass your trade test
If you are working and have an N2 or an NQF 2
qualification, you might be able to do your trade
test.
This is a form of professional certification you will
need to build a career in this industry.
6. Start moving up!
Moving up will mean getting a better job, more
responsibility, and a bigger salary. This will come
with gaining further experience, skills, training, and
qualifications.
To find out more about studying an N1-N3 course in Motor Mechanics (Petrol
& Diesel) via distance learning, simply visit:
www.oxbridgeacademy.co.za/courses/engineering
Or call us on:
021 1100 200
Entry-level automotive technicians make an average of
R99 300 per year.
With more experience, you can earn up to R229 000 a year,
or even more if you specialise in something like diesel or
heavy equipment engineering (Source: Payscale).