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ESCO occupation

automotive electrician

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Automotive electricians install, maintain and repair electrical and electronic systems in motor vehicles such as air conditioning systems, lamps, radios, heating systems, batteries, electrical wiring and alternators. They use diagnostic testing equipment to inspect vehicles and find faults. To do repair work, they use hand tools and specialised electrical instruments and machines.

7412.2 ISCO 7412 ESCO source
Competences
53
Groups
4
Essential
26
Optional
27

Competences and skills

53 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 10 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

3 competences
automotive diagnostic equipment

The equipment used to examine automotive systems and components.

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car controls

The functioning of specific car equipment such as how to operate and handle the clutch, throttle, lighting, instrumentation, transmission and the brakes.

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vehicle electrical systems

The vehicle electrical systems, including components such as the battery, starter, and alternator. The battery provides energy to the starter. The alternator provides the battery the energy it requires to power the vehicle.

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Cross-sector

7 competences
electrical wiring plans

Pictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the relative position and arrangement of devices and terminals on the devices, to help in building or servicing the device. A wiring diagram is often used to troubleshoot problems and to make sure that all the connections have been made and that everything is present.

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electricity

The principles of electricity and electrical power circuits, as well as the associated risks.

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electronics

The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.

digital
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energy storage systems

The systems to capture the energy produced at one time for use at a later time. This includes the differences between the main battery types, super capacitors and hydrogen or fuel tanks.

green
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mechanics

Theoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.

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mechanics of motor vehicles

The way energy forces interact and affect components in motor vehicles such as cars, buses, invalid carriages and other motorised vehicles. 

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types of vehicles

Field of information which distinguishes rental agency classification systems, containing types and classes of vehicles and their functioning and components.

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Essential skills and competences 16 competences

Occupation specific

3 competences
inspect for faults in the vehicle's electric system

Search for flaws in a vehicle's electric system; understand manufacturer's circuit diagrams and specification manuals.

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perform vehicle diagnostic procedures

Perform diagnostic procedures on vehicle systems. Determine and perform all required repair and maintenance operations.

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repair vehicle's electrical equipment

Repair and replace electrical equipment inside vehicles, such as lighting and air conditioning systems.

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Sector-specific

5 competences
carry out improvised vehicle repairs

Identify mechanical/technical car problems; perform improvised or intermediate repairs on vehicles; take into account individual customer requests.

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install automotive electrical equipment

Place electrical circuits and wiring in vehicles such as lighting and voltage gauges. These distribute and regulate electrical power and supply it to meters and other devices in the car.

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install car electronics

Place electrically operated accessories in vehicles such as batteries which power heating systems, radios and anti-theft systems.

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perform manual work autonomously

Show the ability to pursue basic manual tasks without the help or assistance of others, not needing supervision or guidance, and taking responsibility for one's actions.

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use automotive diagnostic equipment

Use diagnostic equipment to perform test on motor vehicles, components and systems to detect defects.

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Cross-sector

8 competences
apply health and safety standards

Adhere to standards of hygiene and safety established by respective authorities.

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fasten components

Fasten components together according to blueprints and technical plans in order to create subassemblies or finished products.

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perform test run

Perform tests putting a system, machine, tool or other equipment through a series of actions under actual operating conditions in order to assess its reliability and suitability to realise its tasks, and adjust settings accordingly.

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read standard blueprints

Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.

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troubleshoot

Identify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.

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use specialised tools in electric repairs

Use of a variety of specialised tools, instruments and machines, such as presses, drills and grinders. Employ them to carry out repairs in a safety manner.

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use technical documentation

Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.

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wear appropriate protective gear

Wear relevant and necessary protective gear, such as protective goggles or other eye protection, hard hats, safety gloves.

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Optional knowledge 3 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

3 competences
battery chemistry

The different battery types according to the representative chemical components used in the anode or the cathode such as zinc-carbon, nickel-metal hydride, lead-acid, or lithium-ion.

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battery components

The physical components, such as wiring, electronics and voltaic cells that can be found in batteries. The components vary according to size and type of battery.

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battery fluids

The characteristics and properties of battery fluids.

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Optional skills and competences 24 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

10 competences
clean vehicle exterior

Wash, clean, polish and wax vehicle's exterior glass and chrome parts.

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diagnose defective engines

Diagnose engine damage or malfunctions by inspecting mechanical equipment; utilise instruments such as chassis charts, pressure gauges, and motor analysers.

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identify customer's needs

Use appropriate questions and active listening in order to identify customer expectations, desires and requirements according to product and services.

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install transport equipment batteries

Install batteries in transport equipmentby using hand and power tools. Make sure the battery fits the model of the transport equipment.

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install transport equipment lighting

Install lighting elements in transport equipment according to blueprints and other technical plans.

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keep stock records

Keep written records of the amount of stock in storage, incoming and outgoing products required for the proper operation of services, repairs and maintenance tasks.

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maintain vehicle records

Maintain vehicle records by accurately recording service operations and repairs.

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position vehicles for maintenance and repair

Place vehicles in the right position (such as on top of a pneumatic lift) for repair and maintenance tasks. Follow safety procedures.

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repair vehicle electrical systems

Use appropriate tools, machinery, and equipment to solve problems related to components of the electrical system of vehicles, such as the battery, alternator, or starter.

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write records for repairs

Write records of the repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, of parts and materials used, and other repair facts.

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Cross-sector

14 competences
apply soldering techniques

Apply and work with a variety of techniques in the process of soldering, such as soft soldering, silver soldering, induction soldering, resistance soldering, pipe soldering, mechanical and aluminium soldering.

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conduct performance tests

Conduct experimental, environmental and operational tests on models, prototypes or on the systems and equipment itself in order to test their strength and capabilities under normal and extreme conditions.

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create technical plans

Create detailed technical plans of machinery, equipment, tools and other products.

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drive vehicles

Be able to drive vehicles; have the approapriate type of driving license according to the type of motor vehicle used.

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ensure client orientation

Take actions which support business activities by considering client needs and satisfaction. This involves understanding what customers want, providing advices, selling products and services or processing complaints, while adopting a positive attitude.

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execute vehicle maintenance

Execute vehicle maintenance based on supplier or manufacturer instructions. This might include cleaning vehicle engine, cleaning vehicle interior and exterior, maintaining mileage and fuel records, performing non-mechanical maintenance tasks. Service small engines including hydraulic equipment. Check the oil and fluid levels on all equipment. Check vehicles and equipment to insure that they are in smooth and safe working order.

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maintain electrical engines

Understanding of electrical circuits and being able to repair. Test and replace electrical components and wiring, using test meters, soldering equipment, and hand tools.

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maintain electrical equipment

Test electrical equipment for malfunctions. Take safety measures, company guidelines, and legislation concerning electrical equipment into account. Clean, repair and replace parts and connections as required.

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operate battery test equipment

Operate equipment used for battery testing, such as a soldering iron, a battery tester, or a multimeter. Detect flaws affecting the battery's performance, test the battery's capacity for accumulating charge, or test its voltage output.

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operate soldering equipment

Use soldering equipment to melt and join together pieces of metal or steel, such as a soldering gun, soldering torch, gas-powered iron, and others.

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perform road testing of vehicles

Perform road tests with vehicles; ensure that all functions are working safely and correctly; test vehicle in extreme weather and road conditions.

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provide customer follow-up services

Register, follow-up, solve and respond to customer requests, complaints and after-sales services.

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repair battery components

Repair battery components through replacing cells, repairing wiring, or spot-welding cells.

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test electronic units

Test electronic units using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.

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