Motor Mechanic
Motor mechanics who work on hybrid and electric cars repair large batteries, electric motors and high-voltage electrical systems, work that needs extra safety training. Petrol and diesel cars are expected to stay common in South Africa until at least 2030, but the motor industry is already piloting electric vehicle training at TVET colleges in Cape Town, Gqeberha and Tshwane.
Jobs in the energy transition
Hybrid and electric car technician
You'd find faults in and repair hybrid and electric cars, including their high-voltage batteries, electric motors and charging systems.
Extra training: You'd need extra high-voltage safety and repair training, and the motor industry and its training authorities are setting up formal skills programmes for qualified technicians.
Roadside electric car technician
You'd go out to electric and hybrid cars that have broken down, find the fault and fix it on the spot or get the car safely to a workshop.
Extra training: You'd need extra training in electrical circuits and high-voltage safety, because electric cars rely far more on electrical systems than petrol cars do.
How to get there
The qualifications
You'd work towards the Occupational Certificate: Automotive Motor Mechanic, which is at NQF Level 4, the same level as Matric.
What you need to start
The official minimum is a Grade 9 pass, or another qualification at the same level, with a pass in Mathematics.
These are the official minimum requirements, and colleges can set higher ones.
Where you can study
Data verified June–July 2026 from official college publications and the DHET occupational qualifications register. Spot an error? Suggest a correction.
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