Apprentice – Level Year 1 (Motor Mechanic)

Dream job Link; Bloemfontein; Presencial; ZAR 120.000 - 180.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Motus Bloemfontein is offering a Level Year 1 Apprentice position in the Retail / Automotive Aftersales & Workshop sector. The role provides a hands-on path toward becoming a Red Seal Motor Mechanic, with training supervised by qualified technicians and guidance through merSETA competencies.

The program includes practical work in vehicle servicing, diagnostics, and basic auto-electrical systems, along with safety training and logbook sign-offs.

Formación

• Must have Matric with Maths and Physical Science.
• Accredited N3 Certificate in Motor Trade/Mechanical Engineering.
• 1
• Valid, unendorsed South African Driver’s License.
• Clear criminal record verified during screening.

Responsabilidades

• Assist qualified Technicians with vehicle servicing and repairs according to service schedules.
• Learn to operate diagnostic scanners and workshop equipment safely and accurately.
• Complete merSETA competency modules and practical logbook entries on time.
• Maintain OHSA-compliant workshop and ensure a clean, safe environment.
• Support general workshop administration and daily throughput tasks.

Conocimientos

Mechanical aptitude

Troubleshooting

Teamwork

Educación

Matric with Mathematics and Physical Science

N3 Certificate in Motor Trade

Herramientas

OBD scanners

Diagnostic software

Torque wrenches

Micrometers

Dial indicators

Vernier calipers

Workshop lifts

Descripción del empleo

Employer: Motus Corporation (Motus Bloemfontein / Free State & Northern Cape Division)

Location: Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa

Division: Retail / Automotive Aftersales & Workshop

Industry: Automotive Retail & Maintenance

Job Type: Permanent (Apprenticeship Contract leading to Trade Test)

Experience Level: Entry Level

Functional Area: Production / Technical Workshop

Posted Date: 29 July 2026

Position Overview

Motus Corporation is seeking a driven, technically minded Level Year 1 Apprentice to join their service operations in Bloemfontein, Free State.

This foundational apprenticeship offers a structured, hands-on path toward becoming a certified Red Seal Motor Mechanic. Working directly alongside qualified technicians and workshop foremen, you will learn to inspect, diagnose, service, and repair light motor vehicles while fulfilling all formal merSETA competency and level‑testing requirements.

Key Responsibilities & Main Duties

• Guided Mechanical Repairs: Assist qualified Technicians with vehicle servicing, component overhauls, engine repairs, and mechanical system troubleshooting.
• Diagnostic & Equipment Training: Learn to operate modern automotive diagnostic tools, electronic scanners, precision measuring instruments, and workshop lifts safely.
• merSETA & Academic Progress: Attend all scheduled technical training modules, complete practical logbook entries, and prepare thoroughly to pass level tests on schedule.
• Workshop Housekeeping & Safety: Maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free work bay in strict compliance with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) standards.
• Ad‑Hoc Support: Perform general workshop and administrative duties assigned by management to support daily throughput.

Minimum Requirements & Qualifications

• Education: Grade 12 / Matric Certificate with Mathematics (Pure Maths) and Physical Science.
• Technical Qualification: Accredited TVET College N3 Certificate (in Motor Trade / Mechanical Engineering).
• Licensing: Valid, unendorsed South African Driver’s License.
• Vetting: Clear criminal record.

Physical & Personal Attributes

• Strong mechanical aptitude, trouble‑shooting skills, and a genuine passion for vehicles.
• Physically fit and comfortable with heavy manual work (lifting components, using power tools).
• Good eyesight, hand‑eye coordination, and manual dexterity.
• Comfortable working in active, noisy workshop environments.
• Strong work ethic, punctuality, and excellent team communication skills.

1,000-Word Operational Specification & Apprenticeship Framework

The Apprentice – Level Year 1 role at Motus Bloemfontein represents the foundational entry stage into the official South African Motor Industry Apprenticeship Scheme governed by merSETA (Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services SETA). Supported by Motus Corporation - Southern Africa’s largest automotive retailer, this program transforms candidates with academic STEM foundations into fully qualified, trade‑tested Red Seal Mechanics.

Based in Bloemfontein, the Year 1 Apprentice bridges theoretical engineering concepts (from Matric Mathematics, Physical Science, and N3 coursework) with real‑world dealership workshop operations. Under senior technical supervision, the apprentice progresses systematically through practical work modules, logbook sign‑offs, and formal assessments to master vehicle servicing, engine mechanics, braking, suspension, and basic auto‑electrical systems.

2. Comprehensive Key Performance Areas (KPAs)

KPA 1: Practical Vehicle Maintenance & Repair Support (35%)

• Assist qualified Technicians in executing scheduled vehicle minor and major services according to manufacturer service schedules.
• Learn and perform fundamental mechanical repairs, including engine oil and filter renewals, brake pad and disc replacements, spark plug changes, and drive belt adjustments.
• Support work on steering, suspension, and driveline assemblies, including shock absorber fitting, CV‑joint replacement, and wheel alignment checks.
• Perform underbody inspections to check for fluid leaks, exhaust damage, worn bushes, and joint wear.

KPA 2: Diagnostic Equipment & Tool Mastery (25%)

• Learn to set up and operate dealership computer diagnostic scanners to retrieve Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and software logs.
• Master the precise use of manual workshop tools, torque wrenches, micrometers, dial indicators, and vernier calipers for component tolerance checks.
• Assist with basic auto‑electrical fault finding, using digital multimeters to check battery health, starter draw, and alternator charging voltages.
• Set up hydraulic two‑post and four‑post vehicle lifts safely, following strict vehicle jacking point guidelines.

KPA 3: merSETA Curriculum, Logbook & Level Testing (20%)

• Complete all prescribed Year 1 merSETA competency modules and practical task sheets within designated timeframes.
• Maintain an active Apprentice Logbook, ensuring every practical repair completed in the workshop is verified and signed off by the mentor Technician or Foreman.
• Attend all scheduled block‑release technical college courses or Motus Regional Academy training sessions.
• Prepare thoroughly for internal and external Year 1 competency evaluations to pass within record time.

KPA 4: Occupational Health, Safety & Environmental Compliance (10%)

• Comply strictly with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Motus dealership safety regulations.
• Use prescribed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) at all times, including safety boots, eye protection, ear defenders, and gloves.
• Safely store and dispose of hazardous materials (used engine oil, brake fluid, scrap metal, and lithium/lead‑acid batteries) in accordance with environmental policies.
• Maintain clean, spill‑free work bays, using oil absorbents immediately to prevent slips and workshop hazards.

KPA 5: Workshop Administration & Team Collaboration (10%)

• Document parts used and labor steps completed accurately on customer job cards for service advisor billing.
• Collect required OEM spare parts from the dealership Parts Department using exact part numbers.
• Clean, inspect, and return specialized tools (SSTs) to master storage boards after every task.

3. Detailed Duty Breakdown & Task Frequency

Task / Activity Frequency Operational Standard

Workplace Prep & Safety Check: Sweep bay, inspect lift hydraulics, put on PPE. Daily (Start of Shift) 100% adherence to OHS safety standards.

Vehicle Service Assistance: Assist mentor with oil, filter, and fluid replacements. Daily (Continuous) Completed strictly to manufacturer specifications.

Tool & Bay Cleaning: Clean hand tools, wipe down workbenches, store equipment. Daily (End of Shift) Zero missing tools; bay clean and free of oil.

Logbook Entry: Document technical repairs performed for mentor sign‑off. Daily Logbook updated daily without backlog.

Diagnostic Assistance: Connect OBD scanners, log fault codes with mentor. Weekly Accurate record of vehicle error codes captured.

merSETA Level Preparation: Complete theoretical workbooks & practical drills. Monthly / Modular >75% score on first attempt of level assessments.

4. Person Specification & Technical Prerequisites

Mandatory Qualifications:

• Matric / Grade 12 Certificate with passes in Pure Mathematics and Physical Science.
• Accredited N3 Certificate in Motor Trade Theory / Mechanical Engineering.
• Valid, Unendorsed South African Driver’s License (Code 8 / Code B minimum).
• Clear Criminal Record verified during screening.

Physical & Technical Attributes:

• High manual dexterity, hand‑eye coordination, and spatial awareness for working in tight engine bays.
• Physical strength and stamina to handle heavy vehicle components and operate machinery throughout an 8‑hour shift.
• Strong mechanical problem‑solving ability to trace electrical and mechanical fault chains logically.

5. Working Conditions & Environment

Hours: Standard dealership operational hours (Monday to Friday, with rotational Saturday morning duty as required by workshop schedules).

Environment: Busy, fast‑paced retail automotive workshop setting. Exposure to machinery noise, lubricants, exhaust extraction systems, and power tools.

Physical Demands: Prolonged standing, bending, lifting heavy equipment, and working under elevated vehicles.