Automotive Electrician Career Description
Automotive electricians manufacture, install and repair electrical systems and equipment for motor vehicles.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Automotive electricians' work involves the repair and maintenance of electrical systems in vehicles and requires a thorough knowledge of starter mechanisms, lights, windscreen wipers, hooters and indicators, as well as accessories such as electrically-controlled windows and car radios. Although a fair amount of work is of a routine nature, the ambitious electrician will find plenty of opportunity to progress to more specialized training in the diagnosis of electrical defects using efficient modern equipment.
The modern motor car has two electrical systems. Firstly, there is the ignition system. This consists mainly of the battery, distributor, induction coil, high-tension wires and spark plugs.
The second electrical system includes, amongst others, the starter motor, alternator or generator, voltage regulators, lights, windscreen wipers, hooters, indicators, etc., as well as electrically operated windows, aerials, radios, tape players, revolution counters and fuel gauges.
Automotive electricians are involved mainly with the repair and maintenance of the second system. They should, however, have a sound knowledge of the first system, since a defect in the accessory system may have a detrimental effect on the vehicle's electrical system as a whole. Automotive electricians are trained as tune-up specialists who are consequently able to understand the influence of the accessory system on the ignition and carburetor system.
Because of the modern equipment used at present, the dirty greasy conditions, which used to be part of the job, is a thing of the past.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
Both a mechanical and a practical aptitude are essential for this job. Other important qualities are the ability to think logically and work accurately (in order to diagnose complex faults), self-discipline and caution, so as to avoid unnecessary accidents such as electrical shocks.
Where can I work?
Automotive electricians are employed in the automotive manufacturing and automotive repair industry. Automotive electricians
therefore work in motor assembly plants, or in workshops of garages or car dealers. As a result of the growing motor industry, there is an increase in the demand for qualified automotive electricians.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Automotive electricians, with the necessary experience and capital, can run their own automotive repair workshops.
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