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- Automotive
- Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Overview
About this course
Become a trade qualified motor technician. Discover how things work and find ways to solve hard problems. Make repairs on a range of vehicles. Be part of the ever-changing automotive industry.
Outcomes
What you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
service body control and vehicle communication systems
work out what’s wrong with engines, steering, suspension, driveline, fuel, cooling, ignition or brakes systems
repair vehicle parts and systems
jump-start vehicles
use a range of automotive tools and equipment.
Course outcomes
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
A nationally accredited Certificate III qualification.
Experience using automotive tools and equipment.
Skills to service, find issues and repair vehicles.
Working in real and simulated mechanical workshops.
The ability to apply for your motor vehicle tradesperson certificate.
A pathway to owning your own business.
Suitability
Is this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol.
Apprenticeship
You must be employed as an apprentice in the industry.
Your Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) must submit your Training Proposal Plan (TPP).
Visit our apprenticeships and traineeships page for more information.
Non-apprenticeship
This course may also be offered as a non-apprenticeship. Enquire today to discuss your eligibility.
You must be at least 21 years old and provide photo identification.
You must be currently working in the industry or have at least 2 years’ of experience as shown by your resume or letters from employers.
Your existing skills may be assessed through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). You may need to complete gap training to gain the qualification.
Completion requirements
During your study you'll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
a completed Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND)
skills test before you start the course. You must score one in digital literacy, 2 in learning, reading and writing, 3 in oral communication, and 4 in at least one numeracy band. The test helps us understand your study needs so we can provide the right support throughout your course.
Entry recommendations
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
your own personal protective equipment (PPE), including steel-capped boots, safety goggles, hearing protection, cotton drill pants and a long-sleeved cotton drill shirt
an interest in learning how vehicle parts and systems work.
The following foundation skills:
You can follow a routine and ask for help if you need it.
You can read everyday texts and find important information.
You can write short sentences or lists to share information.
You can speak clearly and explain your thoughts in a group.
You can solve maths problems you often see in real life.
You can turn on a digital device and follow simple steps.
We tailor our courses to meet local community needs, so some campuses may have extra entry requirements. Check your preferred location for details. Need help preparing? Contact us for support.
Find Your Fit
This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.
Pathways
Future career and study options
Career pathways
Our graduates go onto roles like:
Motor Mechanic (General)
Motor Mechanics (General) maintain, test and repair petrol engines and the mechanical parts of lightweight motor vehicles such as transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes.
Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).
94%
Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.
27,000 workers
Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.
38 years
Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.
$1,020
Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.
44 hours
Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.
Medium
Gender share
1% female
Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.
Stable
Other jobs include: light vehicle technician, quick service technician, service advisor and workshop supervisor.
Licensing
This is a licensed trade in New South Wales. After you successfully complete your course or apprenticeship, you can apply for a Motor Vehicle Tradesperson Certificate through NSW Fair Trading via Service NSW. Your certificate must be renewed every 3 years.
Study pathways
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Previous study3 Courses
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Further study0 Courses
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
The Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology does not have any post-graduate courses.
Related study3 Courses
Learn core skills that prepare you for opportunities in your chosen field.
Your experience counts
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Units
Units taught in this course
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 36 units of competency, including 20 core and 16 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units - 20
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
Develop and carry out diagnostic test strategiesAURTTA118
Inspect and service braking systemsAURTTB101
Diagnose and repair cooling systemsAURTTC103
Inspect and service enginesAURTTE104
TAFE NSW services
Facilities and support
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs - be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning - an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations - get social with our student community
Study options