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Study Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Career Outcomes

Motor Mechanic (General) (321211): 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

Motor mechanics maintain, test and repair petrol engines and the mechanical parts of lightweight motor vehicles such as transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes. This occupation requires studies in light 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

Motor Mechanic (General)

Studying Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology in Australia: What the Course Covers

Light vehicle mechanical technology courses train you to service, diagnose and repair cars, four wheel drives and light commercial vehicles. You learn engine systems, fuel and ignition, transmissions and drivelines, steering, suspension and braking, electrical and electronic systems, diagnostic scan tools, air conditioning, and workshop safety. Training increasingly covers hybrid and electric vehicle safety and systems. Most learning is hands on in an automotive 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 Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology AQF 3 Qualified motor mechanic; the core trade qualification
Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis AQF 4 Advanced diagnostic technician roles
Diploma of Automotive Management or Technology AQF 5 Workshop manager and service manager roles

Study Pathways

International students usually study the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology, often packaged with a Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis. Specialising in electric and hybrid vehicles, or adding an automotive electrical qualification, can improve your future job prospects as vehicle technology changes.

Related Occupations and Visa Pathways (as at October 2026)

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

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

Career Outlook

Motor mechanics work in dealerships, independent workshops, fleet and hire companies, mining and agriculture, and roadside assistance services. The growing number of vehicles on the road supports steady demand, and regional areas often have shortages of qualified mechanics. Skills in electric and hybrid vehicles are increasingly valued.

What You Do in a Light Vehicle Course

The Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology is built around the systems of a modern car. Typical units include:

  • Engines: servicing, diagnosing and overhauling petrol engines, cooling and lubrication systems.
  • Fuel and emissions: electronic fuel injection, engine management and emission control.
  • Drivelines: manual and automatic transmissions, clutches, differentials and all wheel drive systems.
  • Steering, suspension and brakes: wheel alignment, anti lock brakes and stability control.
  • Electrical: batteries, starting and charging systems, lighting, and diagnosing faults with scan tools and multimeters.
  • Hybrid and electric vehicles: depowering and working safely around high voltage systems.
  • Workshop practice: service schedules, job cards, customer communication and workplace safety.

Choosing Where You Work

Dealerships offer manufacturer training on one brand, independent workshops expose you to many makes and models, and fleet, mining and rental companies maintain large numbers of similar vehicles. Each builds slightly different skills, so think about the kind of workshop you want before you look for a job after graduation.

Applying for a Student Visa to Study Light Vehicle Mechanics

Mention any workshop or vehicle repair experience you have and why you want to qualify as a motor mechanic in Australia, especially if your earlier study was in a different field. Our Student visa (subclass 500) page has the current English, financial and work rules.

Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Study FAQs

Yes. As at October 2026, Motor Mechanic (General) (321211) is on both the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the MLTSSL. Regional dealerships and workshops often struggle to find qualified mechanics, which is one reason the occupation often appears on state and regional nomination lists.

It can. Motor Mechanic (General) 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, usually a Provisional Skills Assessment under the Job Ready Program, and meet the age and English rules. A Certificate II in Automotive Servicing on its own is not enough.

In most states you can work as a mechanic with your trade qualification. New South Wales and Western Australia also require motor vehicle repairers, or the businesses they work for, to hold a certificate or licence. Working with vehicle air conditioning needs a refrigerant handling licence, and high voltage electric vehicle work requires specific training.

It is increasingly useful. Many courses now include hybrid and electric vehicle safety units, and further specialised training is available for high voltage vehicle systems.

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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