How to Become a Mechanic in Australia

If you're the person your mates call when their car starts making a suspicious noise, becoming a mechanic might be worth considering.

Modern mechanics do far more than change oil and replace brake pads.

Cars now combine mechanical systems with electronics, computers, sensors, driver-assistance technology and increasingly electric and hybrid drivetrains.

That means the job is changing, but people who can diagnose, service and repair vehicles are still very much needed.

For most people wanting to work as a light vehicle mechanic in Australia, the pathway starts with an automotive apprenticeship.

What Does a Mechanic Do?

A light vehicle mechanic, also commonly called a motor mechanic or automotive technician, services, diagnoses and repairs cars and other light vehicles.

Typical work can include:

• Routine servicing
• Engine diagnosis and repairs
• Brake repairs
• Steering and suspension
• Cooling systems
• Batteries
• Electrical systems
• Fuel systems
• Transmission and driveline work
• Fault finding
• Vehicle inspections
• Using diagnostic equipment

The job has become increasingly technical as vehicles have become more sophisticated.

Sometimes the problem is obviously mechanical.

Sometimes the dashboard has lit up like a Christmas tree and your first job is figuring out what the car is actually trying to tell you.

How Do You Become a Mechanic?

The standard pathway is completing an automotive apprenticeship.

You'll work for an automotive business while completing formal training through a TAFE or another Registered Training Organisation.

This combines practical experience in a workshop with structured trade training.

For light vehicle mechanics, the nationally recognised qualification is the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620). The qualification covers servicing, diagnosis and repair across a range of light vehicle systems.

How Long Does a Mechanic Apprenticeship Take?

A full-time light vehicle mechanical apprenticeship will commonly take around four years.

For example, Victoria currently lists the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology apprenticeship as four years full-time, with longer arrangements possible for part-time apprentices.

Apprenticeships combine employment with formal training, so you're earning money while developing your trade.

You'll start with relatively basic tasks and gradually take on more complicated servicing, repairs and diagnostic work.

What Qualification Do You Need?

For someone wanting to become a general light vehicle mechanic, the main qualification is the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620).

Current training covers areas including:

• Safe automotive work practices
• Electrical circuits
• Batteries
• Servicing
• Engine systems
• Brakes
• Steering
• Suspension
• Fault diagnosis

Electives can also provide exposure to areas such as hybrid and electric vehicles, diesel fuel systems and other specialised vehicle technologies.

Do You Need an Apprenticeship?

For the normal trade pathway, you'll generally complete the qualification as an apprentice employed in the automotive industry.

That means one of the biggest steps isn't simply finding a TAFE.

It's finding an employer willing to take you on.

You can look for apprenticeships with:

• Independent mechanical workshops
• Car dealerships
• Automotive service centres
• Fleet maintenance businesses
• Specialist workshops
• Larger automotive groups

You can also investigate apprenticeship support providers and group training arrangements.

Do You Need Experience to Get an Apprenticeship?

No.

You're applying to become an apprentice, not the workshop foreman.

Employers understand that you'll need training.

However, anything demonstrating genuine interest in cars and mechanical work can help.

That could include:

• Work experience
• Automotive vocational training
• Mechanical hobbies
• Working on your own car
• Motorsport involvement
• Trade assistant work
• Previous workshop experience
• Experience using tools

Even unrelated employment can demonstrate that you're reliable and capable of holding down a job.

What Do Employers Look for in Apprentice Mechanics?

A workshop owner knows a first-year apprentice won't know everything.

They're generally looking for someone they can actually train.

Useful qualities include:

• Reliability
• Punctuality
• Mechanical interest
• Problem-solving ability
• Willingness to learn
• Attention to detail
• Safety awareness
• Good communication
• Ability to follow instructions
• Basic computer skills

That last one is becoming increasingly relevant.

Modern vehicle diagnosis involves far more electronics and software than it used to.

Do You Need a Driver's Licence?

Having a driver's licence is a major advantage.

You're going to be working with vehicles all day.

Workshops may need employees to move cars, conduct road tests, collect parts or perform other driving-related tasks when appropriately licensed and authorised.

If you're old enough to get your licence, having one can make you easier to employ.

What Does a First-Year Apprentice Mechanic Do?

Don't expect to spend your first week rebuilding engines.

You'll generally start with relatively straightforward tasks while learning how the workshop operates.

That might include:

• Basic servicing
• Oil changes
• Tyre work
• Checking fluids
• Batteries
• Cleaning components
• Preparing tools
• Assisting qualified technicians
• Workshop housekeeping

You'll gradually take on more technical work as your knowledge develops.

And yes, there's probably going to be cleaning.

Every apprenticeship seems to find a way of including a broom.

What Will You Learn During Your Apprenticeship?

Over the course of your apprenticeship, you'll develop skills across different vehicle systems.

The current light vehicle qualification includes training related to areas such as engine systems, cooling, brakes, steering and suspension, electrical systems and diagnostic work.

You'll also learn something that's difficult to develop purely in a classroom:

Experience.

After seeing hundreds of vehicles and faults, you begin recognising patterns.

That's when diagnosis starts becoming a real skill.

Servicing vs Repair Work

Routine servicing is an important part of being a mechanic.

It can involve:

• Changing engine oil
• Replacing filters
• Checking fluids
• Inspecting brakes
• Checking tyres
• Inspecting suspension
• Testing batteries
• Identifying potential problems

Repair work begins when something actually needs fixing or replacing.

A good mechanic needs to be capable of both.

What Is Automotive Fault Finding?

Fault finding is figuring out what's actually wrong with the vehicle.

The customer might say:

"My car is making a weird noise."

Fantastic.

Your job is now to convert "weird noise" into an actual diagnosis.

You may need to:

• Talk to the customer
• Inspect the vehicle
• Road test it
• Scan for fault codes
• Perform electrical tests
• Inspect mechanical components
• Compare measurements
• Eliminate possible causes

Good diagnosis prevents unnecessary parts from being replaced.

Mechanics Need Electrical Skills Too

Modern vehicles contain enormous amounts of electrical equipment.

Mechanics increasingly need to understand:

• Sensors
• Wiring
• Batteries
• Charging systems
• Starting systems
• Electronic controls
• Diagnostic systems

The current light vehicle qualification includes electrical testing and repair skills alongside traditional mechanical systems.

This doesn't make a light vehicle mechanic the same thing as an automotive electrician.

But electrical knowledge is becoming increasingly important.

Mechanic vs Automotive Electrician

They're related but distinct automotive trades.

A general mechanic focuses broadly on mechanical servicing, diagnosis and repair.

An automotive electrician specialises more heavily in vehicle electrical and electronic systems.

Automotive electrical is itself a recognised trade pathway, with the Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology available as an apprenticeship qualification.

As vehicles become increasingly electronic, there's plenty of crossover between the two skill sets.

What About Electric Vehicles?

Electric and hybrid vehicles are creating new areas of automotive work.

Mechanics entering the industry now are likely to encounter significantly more electrified vehicles throughout their careers than mechanics who qualified 20 years ago.

The current light vehicle qualification can include elective training related to hybrid and electric vehicle systems.

There are also dedicated automotive electric vehicle qualifications within Australia's training system.

For a new apprentice, being willing to learn this technology could be extremely useful over the long term.

What About Diesel Mechanics?

Diesel mechanical work provides another career path.

Diesel technicians can work on diesel engines used across different vehicles and equipment.

Australia has a dedicated Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Engine Technology, designed for people developing careers servicing and repairing diesel engines and systems.

There are also separate pathways for heavy commercial vehicles and mobile plant.

Light Vehicle vs Heavy Vehicle Mechanic

Light vehicle mechanics primarily work on cars and other light vehicles.

Heavy vehicle mechanics can work on:

• Trucks
• Buses
• Heavy commercial vehicles

The equipment is bigger and the working environment can be very different.

Heavy commercial vehicle mechanical technology has its own Certificate III apprenticeship pathway.

If trucks interest you more than cars, it's worth considering before automatically applying for a light vehicle apprenticeship.

What About Mobile Plant Mechanics?

Mobile plant technicians work on equipment such as construction and earthmoving machinery.

This can lead to work across:

• Construction
• Civil infrastructure
• Mining
• Equipment dealerships
• Field service

Australia has a separate Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology pathway for this area.

For someone interested in machinery and potentially higher-paying industrial or mining work, mobile plant can be worth investigating.

Motorcycle Mechanics

If you'd rather work on two wheels, motorcycle mechanics have their own trade pathway as well.

The Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology covers areas including engines, electrical systems, ignition, batteries and other motorcycle systems.

It's more specialised than general light vehicle mechanical work, so think about how narrow you want your career to be before choosing your apprenticeship.

Dealership vs Independent Workshop

One of your early choices may be between working for a dealership and an independent workshop.

A dealership can give you deep experience with particular vehicle brands.

You'll become familiar with their:

• Engines
• Common faults
• Diagnostic systems
• Service procedures
• Technical information

An independent workshop can expose you to a much wider variety of vehicles.

Monday might be a Toyota.

Tuesday could be a Volkswagen.

Wednesday could involve something European that's decided the check-engine light should apparently become a permanent interior feature.

Both environments can provide good experience.

Specialist Workshops

As your career develops, you can specialise.

That could include:

• European vehicles
• Performance cars
• 4WDs
• Diesel
• Transmissions
• Diagnostics
• Steering and suspension
• Motorsport
• Electric vehicles

Specialisation can help you develop skills that fewer technicians have.

That can increase your value.

Is Being a Mechanic Physically Demanding?

It can be.

Mechanics spend plenty of time:

• Standing
• Bending
• Kneeling
• Reaching
• Working underneath vehicles
• Removing components
• Using hand and power tools

Some parts are heavy.

Others are simply located somewhere apparently designed by an engineer who never expected another human being to access them again.

Good workshops use lifting equipment and safe work practices to reduce unnecessary physical strain.

Is Being a Mechanic Dirty?

Sometimes.

You'll work around:

• Oil
• Grease
• Brake dust
• Coolant
• Dirt
• Old components

Modern workshops can be clean and organised, but this is still a hands-on mechanical trade.

If getting grease on your hands is a deal-breaker, automotive probably isn't the industry for you.

What Hours Do Mechanics Work?

Many automotive workshops operate fairly standard daytime hours.

Dealerships and service centres may also operate on Saturdays.

The exact schedule depends on the employer.

Compared with some trades involving emergency callouts, light vehicle mechanical work can offer relatively predictable hours.

Other automotive sectors such as heavy vehicle, fleet and mining maintenance can involve very different rosters.

How Much Do Apprentice Mechanics Earn?

Apprentice wages depend on factors such as:

• Age
• Apprenticeship stage
• Award or enterprise agreement
• Employer
• Hours
• Overtime

Many motor mechanic apprentices working in vehicle repair are covered by the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award, which includes apprentice classifications and separate provisions for adult apprentices.

Your pay generally increases as you progress through the apprenticeship.

We'll cover mechanic apprentice wages separately rather than turning this article into a giant pay guide.

Do Qualified Mechanics Make Good Money?

Mechanic earnings can vary substantially depending on where your career goes.

Factors include:

• Experience
• Specialisation
• Location
• Employer
• Overtime
• Type of vehicles
• Diagnostic ability
• Supervisory responsibilities

A general light vehicle mechanic at a suburban workshop can have a very different income from a specialised technician working on heavy equipment or mining machinery.

Your qualification is the starting point.

What you specialise in afterwards can make a major difference.

Can Mechanics Work for Themselves?

Yes.

Experienced mechanics can eventually open or buy their own workshops, subject to the business, repairer and licensing requirements applying in their state or territory.

A workshop can generate revenue through:

• Servicing
• Mechanical repairs
• Diagnostics
• Inspections
• Tyres
• Specialist repairs
• Fleet servicing

Business ownership can significantly increase your earning potential.

But owning a workshop means you're no longer only fixing cars.

You're also dealing with staff, customers, suppliers, bookings, invoices, rent, equipment and everything else that comes with running a business.

Can You Move Off the Tools?

Yes.

Automotive experience can lead to careers including:

• Workshop foreman
• Service advisor
• Workshop manager
• Service manager
• Technical support
• Warranty specialist
• Parts
• Technical sales
• Fleet maintenance management
• Automotive training
• Business ownership

This can be valuable later in your career if you don't want to physically work on vehicles forever.

Is Becoming a Mechanic Worth It?

If you genuinely enjoy cars, machinery and solving mechanical problems, it can be a great career.

You'll develop practical skills you can use almost anywhere in Australia.

You'll also have plenty of directions to take your career.

You could stay with light vehicles.

You could specialise in diagnostics.

You could move towards electric vehicles.

You could work with diesel engines.

You could move into heavy vehicles or mobile plant with the appropriate training and experience.

Or you could eventually run your own workshop.

The automotive industry is changing quickly, particularly as vehicles become increasingly electronic and electrified.

For someone starting now, that's not necessarily a bad thing.

It means the mechanic of the future isn't just someone who's good with a spanner.

The best technicians will understand mechanical systems, electrical systems and vehicle technology together.

If that sounds interesting, an automotive apprenticeship is a pretty solid place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a mechanic in Australia?

A light vehicle mechanical apprenticeship commonly takes around four years full-time, combining paid employment with formal training.

What qualification do you need to become a mechanic?

For light vehicles, the main trade qualification is the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620).

Do you need experience to get a mechanic apprenticeship?

No. Apprenticeships are designed for people learning the trade, although automotive experience, work experience or mechanical skills can strengthen your application.

Is a mechanic the same as an automotive electrician?

No. There is overlap, but automotive electrical is a separate trade pathway focused more heavily on electrical and electronic vehicle systems.

Can mechanics work on electric vehicles?

The automotive industry increasingly requires skills related to hybrid and electric vehicles. Relevant EV training is available within Australia's automotive training system, and additional competencies may be required for particular work.

What other types of mechanic can you become?

Automotive pathways include light vehicle mechanics, diesel mechanics, heavy commercial vehicle mechanics, mobile plant technicians, motorcycle mechanics and automotive electricians.