Campus Closures: Great Lakes, Kempsey, Taree, Port Macquarie, Wauchope campuses will be closed for classes from Wednesday 21 May 2025 until further notice. Updates are available here.

    Back to Automotive

    National code: AUR30620

    Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

    Ask a question

    OverviewAbout this course

    Become a trade qualified motor technician and join the exciting and evolving automotive industry. Ignite your curiosity to find out how things work and develop your abilities to solve complex problems and make repairs on a range of vehicles.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

    Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

    • Service body control and vehicle communication systems

    • Diagnose issues with engine, steering, suspension, driveline, fuel, cooling, ignition or brakes systems

    • Repair vehicle components and systems

    • Jump-start vehicles

    • Use a variety of automotive tools and equipment

    Course outcomes

    Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

    • Experience using automotive tools and equipment

    • Techniques to service, diagnose and repair vehicles

    • Exposure to working in real and simulated mechanical workshops

    • The ability to apply for your motor vehicle tradesperson certificate

    • A pathway to owning your own business

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

    This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

    • This course is offered as an apprenticeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

    Apprenticeship

    • Be employed as an apprentice in the industry

    • Register with an Apprenticeship Connect Australia Provider (ACAP) who will support your application

    Non-apprenticeship

    • Non-apprenticeship pathways for trade-related qualifications allow you to have your industry skills assessed through recognition of prior learning (RPL) and undertake gap training to gain a trade qualification. To take this course as a non-apprenticeship, you must:

    • Be at least 21 years of age, as evidenced by photo identification

    • Have at least 2 years of work experience in this occupation or trade, as evidenced by employee records such as your resume and/or letters from your employers

    • Be currently employed in the relevant industry, as evidenced by a letter from your employer

    Completion requirements

    During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

    • A Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test and achieve a score of 1 in digital literacy, a score of 2 in learning, reading and writing, a score of 3 in oral communication and 4 across one band of numeracy. This skills test helps us to understand your individual study needs and to provide you with the appropriate support for your study success.

    Entry recommendations

    To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

    • Your own personal protective equipment (PPE) - steel-capped boots, safety goggles, hearing protection, cotton drill pants and long-sleeved cotton drill shirt

    • An interest in learning how components and systems work on a vehicle

    TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like: Light vehicle technician, Quick service technician, Service advisor and Workshop supervisor

    Licensing

    This is a licensed profession in New South Wales. When you complete your apprenticeship, apply for a Motor Vehicle tradesperson certificate with NSW Fair Trading through Service NSW. Your license will need to be renewed every 3 years.

    Study pathways

    Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

    Previous study0 Courses

    Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

    The Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology does not have any pre-requisite courses.

    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 study6 Courses

    Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

    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.

    UnitsUnits 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 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.

    • Diagnose and repair light vehicle emission control systemsAURLTZ101

    • Diagnose and repair light vehicle steering systemsAURLTD104

    • Diagnose and repair light vehicle suspension systemsAURLTD105

    • Diagnose and repair light vehicle hydraulic braking systemsAURLTB103

    • ... 5

    TAFE NSW servicesFacilities 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 optionsFind a location to enrol