Motor Mechanics Apprentice

The work of a Motor Mechanic involves the servicing, maintenance, and fault diagnosis of automobile and light commercial vehicle mechanical and electrical systems. It includes the removal, installation, or repair of vehicle components according to original manufacturers’ specifications.

At the end of the apprenticeship, the craftsperson will be able to demonstrate competence in the following:

Core Skills

Servicing

• Read, interpret, and carry out manufacturers’ instructions for all service, maintenance, and repair procedures.

• Complete a vehicle report form.

F-Gas

• Describe the purpose of Regulation No. 842/2006 of the European Parliament regarding automotive air conditioning (MAC) systems.

• List dangers to personal health and related safety regulations regarding refrigerant gases.

• Identify possible refrigerant leak locations in MAC systems.

Engine

• Diagnose faults, dismantle, and reassemble engines and ancillary components.

• Replace timing belts and chains.

• Use all recommended bolt-tightening procedures.

Electrical

• Read and interpret electrical wiring diagrams.

• Use fault-code readers to interrogate ECU and OBD systems.

• Apply a structured diagnostic methodology (e.g., flow charts).

• Measure and interpret electrical quantities (current, voltage, resistance).

• Diagnose and repair starter, charging, and lighting circuits.

• Remove/replace lighting components.

• Align headlamps.

Fuel / Ignition

• Diagnose and repair electronically controlled fuel, ignition, and emissions systems.

• Assess exhaust emissions relative to NCT/DoT VTM requirements.

Transmission

• Diagnose faults in manual transmission units.

• Remove and refit manual transmissions.

• Diagnose clutch faults; remove/replace clutch components.

• Remove/replace driveshaft joints and bearings.

Brakes

• Diagnose mechanical and hydraulic brake system faults.

• Remove/replace brake components.

• Follow manufacturers’ service and bleeding procedures.

Specialist Skills

Steering & Suspension

• Diagnose faults in steering and suspension systems.

• Remove and replace components.

• Align steering and suspension geometry.

• Balance wheels and repair punctures.

Bodywork

• Remove and replace bodywork components (e.g., door locks, windows, regulators).

Engine – Advanced

• Perform complete engine overhauls on petrol and diesel engines.

Electrical – Advanced

Check, diagnose, and restore to manufacturer specification:

• Standard, multi-voltage, and high-voltage systems

• Inter-control module communication systems (CAN, LIN, VAN, MOST)

• Multiplex wiring

• Climate control

• Cruise control

• Theft deterrence systems

• Comfort systems (electric windows, seat/steering adjustment, sunroof, central locking)

Fuel Systems – Advanced

• Diagnose and restore high-pressure petrol injection systems (e.g., GDI, MED-Motronic).

• Diagnose and restore high-pressure diesel injection systems (e.g., common rail).

Transmission – Advanced

• Diagnose, overhaul, and restore manual, automatic, or hybrid transmission assemblies.

Brakes – Advanced

• Diagnose and restore ABS and EHB systems, including:

  • ESP (Electronic Stability Program)

  • TCS (Traction Control System)

  • ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control)

Occupant Safety

• Diagnose and restore passive safety systems (airbags, belt tensioners, rollover protection).

Communication & Information Systems

• Diagnose and restore:

  • In-car entertainment systems

  • Telecommunication systems

  • Vehicle information systems (e.g., monitoring displays, GPS)

Mobile Air Conditioning (MAC)

• Demonstrate correct handling and storage of F-gas cylinders.

• Perform full servicing of air conditioning systems: leak detection, recovery, vacuum, refill.

Common Skills

Servicing

• Read, interpret, and carry out all service, maintenance, and repair procedures.

• Complete a vehicle report form.

NCT / DoT VTM

• Determine vehicle condition in line with NCT/DoT VTM standards.

Engine

• Diagnose faults and restore petrol and diesel engines to manufacturer specifications.

Electrical

• Read electrical diagrams; use fault-code readers; follow structured diagnostic procedures.

• Diagnose starter, charging, and lighting circuits.

• Remove/replace lighting components; align headlamps.

Transmission

• Diagnose and restore clutch systems, driveshafts, and bearings.

Brakes

• Diagnose and restore brake friction linings.

Steering

• Diagnose and restore steering linkage and geometry settings.

Bodywork

• Remove and replace bodywork components (locks, windows, regulators).