Study Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Career Outcomes

Diesel Motor Mechanic (321212): currently on Medium and Long-term Strategic Skill List (MLTSSL) 

Industry Overview

The Motor Vehicle Engine and Parts Repair and Maintenance industry currently employs over 70,000 people in Australia, and is projected to grow moderately over the next five years. The number of motor vehicles on the road is forecast to continue rising, which is likely to provide stable growth for the industry. (Source: IBIS World)

The top five ranked generic skills for the Vehicle Body Repair sector are:

• Design mindset/Thinking critically/System thinking/Solving problems
• Communication/Collaboration including virtual collaboration/Social intelligence
• Language, literacy and numeracy (LLN)
• Technology use and application
• Learning agility/Information literacy/Intellectual autonomy and self-management.

(Source: Australian Industry & Skills Committee)

Insights 

Average weekly earnings:  $1,436 per week

Mode of work: Most work full-time (90%)

Hours per week: full-time workers spend around 44 hours/ week at work.

Age: the average age is 36 years. 

Gender: 1% workers are female

(Source: Joboutlook.gov.au)

Qualification Needed 

Workers usually need a certificate III in a relevant mechanical field. These courses are often completed as part of an apprenticeship.

Course Overview

Diesel motor mechanics maintain, test and repair diesel motors and the mechanical parts of trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles such as transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes. This occupation requires studies in heavy commercial vehicle mechanical technology, where you will learn how to test and repair electrical circuits and diagnose, repair, inspect and service vehicle systems.

Course Requirements

Most institutions require completion of Australian Year 11 or 12 (or equivalent), as well as a minimum IELTS score of 5.5 with no band score less than 5.

Costs

A 2-year packaged trade course costs between $12,000 and $19,000 per year, depending on the institution.

Career Outcomes

Diesel Motor Mechanic