Heavy Diesel Vehicle Mechanic
The heavy vehicle industry is booming with advancements in transport, mining and heavy constructions. Companies are heavily reliant on trucks, trains, buses and earthmoving equipment for their business. This is your chance to start a career with endless possibilities.
You may be suitable for this role if you have a keen eye for detail, intermediate computer skills and enjoy practical, technical and hands on work. If you’re up for a challenge and have a strong mechanical aptitude, this is the career for you!
Automotive Heavy Vehicle Mechanics are responsible for the diagnosis and repair of the suspension, air brakes, wheel and hub assemblies, anti-lock braking, stability control, lighting, and electronic management systems of a commercial vehicle.
What will I learn?
As part of your apprenticeship, you will learn how to:
- Service and maintain diesel engines and heavy vehicle components.
- Understand the technical workings of engines, transmissions and mechanical components.
- Use computerised testing equipment to diagnose faults and re-program electronics.
- Strip down and re-assemble engines and components.
- Service braking systems, trailers and hydraulics.
- Communicate with customers to explain problems/issues.
- Test, charge and replace batteries and other electrical components.
- Remove and replace damaged suspension components.
- Carry out road worthy assessments for the registration of vehicles.
What skills do I need?
No prior knowledge or experience is necessary but a keen interest in commercial vehicles 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.
