Diesel Mechanic
Service and repair trucks, buses, tractors and heavy plant — essential to mining, farming and logistics.
What the job involves
- Diagnose and repair diesel engines and hydraulics.
- Service fleets for transport, mining or farming companies.
- Use diagnostic software on modern vehicles.
School subjects you need
Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy accepted. Confirm the exact requirement with the institution you apply to.
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy
- English
- Physical Sciences
- Mechanical Technology
Marks you normally need
- Minimum NSC pass
- Grade 9 for N1 entry; Grade 12 preferred
- Indicative APS
- Not applicable
- Subject percentages institutions look for
- Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy: 40%+
These are indicative ranges for guidance only. Every university, university of technology and TVET college sets its own admission requirements — check the current prospectus of the institution you are applying to.
Study routes
- TVET N1–N3 plus apprenticeship and trade test3–4 years
Mining and transport companies run large apprenticeship intakes.
What you could earn
- Entry level
- R7 000 – R13 000 per month as an apprentice
- Mid-career
- R22 000 – R38 000 per month qualified
- Senior
- R45 000 – R70 000 per month (foremen and mine-based artisans)
Indicative gross monthly ranges from public South African salary sources. They vary by employer, province and experience, and are not guarantees. Compare all careers.
Where you can study this
Public institutions that commonly offer this field. Confirm the exact programme, its minimum APS and the closing date on the institution's own admissions page.
- University of JohannesburgUJ · Johannesburg
- Nelson Mandela UniversityNMU · Gqeberha
- Walter Sisulu UniversityWSU · Mthatha, East London, Butterworth, Komani
- Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyCPUT · Cape Town and Bellville
- Durban University of TechnologyDUT · Durban and Pietermaritzburg
- Tshwane University of TechnologyTUT · Pretoria and surrounding campuses
- Vaal University of TechnologyVUT · Vanderbijlpark
- Central University of TechnologyCUT · Bloemfontein and Welkom
- Mangosuthu University of TechnologyMUT · Umlazi, Durban
Official sources
Questions learners ask
Isifinyezo / Opsomming
isiZulu: Ulungisa amaloli, amabhasi nemishini emikhulu. Kunesidingo ezimayini nasekuthuthweni.
Afrikaans: Herstel vragmotors, busse en swaar masjinerie.