What does a Mechanic (Heavy Auto) do?
Heavy Automotive Mechanics work on the mechanical parts and electrical systems of larger vehicles and machinery, including the engine, transmission and suspension systems.
They fix, maintain, reassemble, restore and overhaul these components to ensure these big pieces of equipment can get back into operation smoothly and efficiently.
Career Opportunities for Heavy Automotive Mechanics
Heavy Automotive Mechanics are always in demand:
- Work in vehicle garages, workshops and service stations all over the country.
- Become a heavy vehicle mechanic that works on large mining vehicles.
- Work as a mechanic for a transport company, the Government, or even the defence force.
Continue scrolling for more information on this apprenticeship.
- Apprenticeship Duration 4 years, full time
- FUTURE DEMAND* Stable
- Average salary* $1,764 per week, full-time (post-qualification)
- Skill Level * Medium
*Disclaimer: Data sourced from the Australian Government’s Your Career website and is updated periodically. Accuracy and currency are not guaranteed – please refer to the source (www.yourcareer.gov.au) for the latest information.
Interested in becoming a Heavy Automotive Mechanic? Start your apprenticeship with GetCareers.
More Info
Beneficial Skills & Attributes
You will need:
- To be mechanically minded, precise, and enjoy practical, hands-on work.
- Good hearing, vision and hand-eye coordination.
- Strong problem-solving skills.
- Good fitness and stamina – you’ll be on your feet a lot moving heavy equipment.
Key Job Expertise
You will learn how to:
- Repair, adjust, maintain and test large vehicles such as buses, trucks, tractors, agricultural machinery and earthmoving equipment.
- Use special instruments to identify mechanical and electrical problems in heavy vehicles.
- Repair and maintain hydraulic parts of diesel, petrol or gas engines.
- Undertake scheduled maintenance services such as oil changes, lubrications and tune ups.
Education & Training Requirements
You’ll undertake a four-year apprenticeship, during which you’ll begin formal training with an employer, supplemented with training from a Registered Training Organisation, and spend your time working and learning practical skills on the job. When you finish, you’ll have a nationally recognised qualification you can take anywhere.
Delivery Location
As an apprentice, you will also complete off-site training at one of our locations or another RTO, depending on your individual circumstances.
Fees & Charges
This program is funded by the Department of Training and Workforce Development through ‘Jobs and Skills WA’.
The student tuition fees are indicative only and are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Additional fees may apply such as Student Service and Resource fees.
Until 31 December 2025 this course comes under the Lower Fees, Local Skills Initiative.
This means the course tuition fees have been cut in half!
Find out more about the initiative:
jobsandskills.wa.gov.au/skillsready
The WA Government fees policy is available here:
wa.gov.au/government/publications/vocational-education-and-training-fees-and-charges-policy
Units of Competency
For an up-to-date list of the units of competency students need to complete during their Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, visit:
Completion
Upon successful completion of the course you will receive a Nationally Accredited Certificate.
Get in touch
Talk to our team about apprenticeships, traineeships, courses, workforce solutions or business support. We’re always happy to answer your questions.
