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Study Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Career Outcomes

Diesel Motor Mechanic (321212): currently on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills 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: Job Outlook, historical figures)

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

Studying Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology in Australia: What the Course Covers

Heavy commercial vehicle courses train you to service, diagnose and repair trucks, buses, trailers and other heavy vehicles. You learn diesel engine systems, fuel injection and emissions, heavy vehicle transmissions and drivelines, air brake systems, steering and suspension, hydraulics, electrical and electronic systems, diagnostic software, and workshop and roadside safety. Training is practical, using heavy vehicles and components in a workshop.

Qualifications and AQF Levels

Qualification AQF level What it prepares you for
Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology AQF 2 Workshop assistant and entry level servicing roles
Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology AQF 3 Qualified diesel motor mechanic; the core trade qualification
Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis AQF 4 Advanced diagnostic technician roles

Study Pathways

International students usually complete the Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, often with a Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis. Related qualifications for mobile plant (earthmoving and mining equipment) or agricultural machinery can lead to specialist diesel roles, and mining regions often have strong demand.

Related Occupations and Visa Pathways (as at October 2026)

Occupation ANZSCO CSOL (482 and 186) Skilled lists (189, 190, 491, 485)
Diesel Motor Mechanic 321212 Yes MLTSSL
Motor Mechanic (General) 321211 Yes MLTSSL
Automotive Electrician 321111 Yes MLTSSL

Our Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) guide explains which visas use each list and what that means for diesel motor mechanics.

Career Outlook

Diesel mechanics work for transport and logistics companies, bus operators, truck dealerships, mining and construction companies, and agricultural businesses. Demand is strong in regional and mining areas, and many roles involve field service work. Experience with electronic diagnostics and emissions systems is increasingly important.

What You Do in a Heavy Vehicle Course

Heavy commercial vehicle training uses real trucks, engines and components. Typical units include:

  • Diesel engines: servicing, overhauling and diagnosing diesel engines, turbochargers and cooling systems.
  • Fuel and emissions: common rail fuel injection and exhaust after treatment systems.
  • Air brakes: testing and repairing air brake systems, which are one of the biggest differences from light vehicle work.
  • Drivelines: heavy gearboxes, automated manual transmissions, drive shafts and differentials.
  • Suspension and steering: airbag suspension, heavy steering systems and wheel alignment.
  • Electrical and diagnostics: 24 volt systems and diagnostic software.
  • Hydraulics: tipper, crane and tailgate lifter hydraulics.

Field Service and Regional Work

Many diesel mechanics work as field service technicians, travelling to depots, farms or mine sites in a fitted out service vehicle. Mining roles are often on fly in fly out or drive in drive out rosters. These jobs usually require extra site inductions and medicals, and regional employers in these industries can often use state nomination and regional visa programs to fill roles.

Applying for a Student Visa to Study Heavy Vehicle Mechanics

Heavy vehicle courses suit applicants with experience around trucks, buses, farm machinery or mining equipment, so describe that background and the type of diesel work you want. Our Student visa (subclass 500) page lists the current visa conditions.

Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology Study FAQs

Yes. As at October 2026, Diesel Motor Mechanic (321212) is on both the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the MLTSSL. Transport, mining and agricultural employers in regional Australia are common sponsors of diesel mechanics.

It can. Diesel Motor Mechanic is on the MLTSSL, so this Certificate III can support the 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream (generally 18 months) if you hold a TRA skills assessment for the occupation, which for Australian trained students usually starts with a Provisional Skills Assessment, and meet the age and English rules.

It is not part of the trade qualification, but many employers prefer diesel mechanics who hold a truck licence so they can road test and move vehicles. If you hold an overseas licence, check the state rules for converting or upgrading it.

Not exactly. Diesel motor mechanics mainly work on trucks and buses, while heavy plant or mobile plant mechanics work on earthmoving, mining and agricultural machinery. The skills overlap, but the qualifications and occupation codes are different.

Related guides

Am I eligible for a Student visa? Student Visa Funds Calculator Study a Trade Course Assessment Study a Uni Course Assessment

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