Light Vehicle car & Motor Mechanical Apprenticeships
Mechanics isn’t diagnosing problems and fixing cars. An apprenticeship in motor mechanics can take you much further than that. It’s the pathway to a variety of career opportunities.
This role is suitable for an individual who enjoys practical, technical and hands on activities. If you like a challenge and have great attention to detail, good numeracy and literacy skills, and like working with your hands, this is the career for you!
Automotive Light Vehicle Mechanics service, repair and overhaul the mechanical parts of motor vehicles such as the engine, the transmission (clutch, gear box and differential), and the suspension systems (springs, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres).
What will I learn?
As part of your apprenticeship, you will learn how to:
- Replace broken or defective vehicle parts.
- Test and replace starter motors and defective alternators.
- Replace and repair electrical wiring.
- Diagnose defective electrical parts.
- Remove and replace electronic components.
- Communicate with customers to explain problems/issues.
- Use special test equipment to diagnose and repair vehicles.
- Tune engines using special electronic equipment and make fine adjustments for smoother running.
- Carry out minor trim repairs.
- Diagnose, repair and replace engine management and fuel injection components.
What skills do I need?
No prior knowledge or experience is necessary but a keen interest in cars and a practical aptitude will help.
An apprenticeship is designed to teach you the skills and knowledge you need with practical training at work, and extra studies at a Registered Training Organisation.
An apprenticeship will get you started in the industry, and open up the doors to a great career.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entrance requirements however you will need to be placed in an apprenticeship to start your training and you should be able to read, write and understand basic mathematical concepts. Successful applicants will be required to complete enrolment documentation. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
What are my training options?
You can do a full-time apprenticeship, resulting in a Certificate III qualification. This includes training within a workshop as well as with a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). A school-based apprenticeship can also be completed whilst at school (the length of study may vary depending on the school, RTO and workplace arrangements).
Apprenticeships Are Us run pre-apprenticeship courses that commence throughout the year. This will provide the fundamental skills and potentially a pathway to start an apprenticeship.
Duration of an apprenticeship
This apprenticeship has a nominal duration of 4 years to complete, during which you must be employed in an apprenticeship contract. It is possible to complete the apprenticeship contract sooner if you achieve the necessary competencies before this time.
Career pathways
What next?
How far you go is completely up to you!
Your apprenticeship is the first step. It can get you started on the way to a successful career as a:
- Qualified Mechanic ($50K – $100K)
- Workshop Manager ($80K – $165K)
- Franchise Owner ($70K – $180K)
- Service Advisor ($60K – $120K)
- Service Manager ($80K – $165K)
- Sales ($70K – $160K)
- Skills Trainer ($70K – $100K)
- Warranty ($55K – $90K)
- Business Admin ($50K – $90K)
- Engineer ($90K – $190K)
Technology is always changing, creating a higher demand for skilled workers in the automotive industry.
