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    National code: AUR30320

    Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology

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    OverviewAbout this course

    Gain the skills to get qualified as an auto electrician. Work with a variety of vehicles and machinery, get access to state-of-the-art simulated workshops, and gain insight into the latest vehicle technologies.

    OutcomesWhat you'll gain

    Learning outcomes

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

    • Diagnose and repair charging systems, starting systems and ignition systems

    • Diagnose and repair compression ignition engine management systems

    • Operate spark ignition engine management systems

    • Test, charge and replace batteries

    Course outcomes

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

    • Experience working with and learning from industry professionals

    • Eligibility to become trade-qualified

    • Depending on your electives, eligibility to apply for your Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) Refrigerant Handling Licence

    • Strong pathways to continue your studies and enhance your career opportunities

    SuitabilityIs this course right for you?

    Entry requirements

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

    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 2 across the two bands of reading and writing, a score of 3 across the two bands of learning and oral communication, a score of 1 across one band of digital literacy and a score of 3 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:

    • Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 10 high school level

    • An interest in automotive electronics and electricals

    • A reasonable level of fitness, including the ability to bend, sit in awkward positions, and lift a minimum of 10kg

    • Your own Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as steel-capped boots, safety goggles, hearing protection and appropriate clothing

    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.

    Find Your Fit

    This simple tool guides you to a suitable course level based on your foundation skills and confidence.

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    PathwaysFuture career and study options

    Career pathways

    Our graduates go onto roles like:

    Automotive Electrician

    Automotive Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring and electronic components in motor vehicles.

    • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

      95%

    • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

      1,700 workers

    • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

      39 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.

      $1,200

    • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

      46 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.

      Strong Growth

    Other jobs include: automotive electrician and automotive air conditioning specialist.

    Licensing

    Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this qualification can vary between states, territories, and industry sectors. Visit NSW Fair Trading for licensing requirements and guidelines before you apply. If you wish to work with automobile airconditioning, you will need your ARC Refrigerant Handling Licence. To be eligible to apply for this licence, you will need to have completed the following elective units in the second year of this course: AURETU002 Recover vehicle refrigerants AURETU003 Service air conditioning and HVAC systems AURETU004 Diagnose and repair air conditioning and HVAC systems

    Study pathways

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

    Previous study1 Course

    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 Automotive Electrical Technology does not have any post-graduate courses.

    Related study2 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 Automotive Electrical Technology qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 32 Units of competency, including 21 core and 11 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.

    • Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplaceAURASA102

    • Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplaceAURAEA002

    • Test and repair basic electrical circuitsAURETR112

    • Diagnose and repair compression ignition engine management systemsAURETR124

    • ... 6

    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