TAFE NSW is helping eager Year 11 and 12 students get a headstart towards a career as a mechanic while contributing towards their HSC and ATAR.

The unique program offers students the option of completing teacher-led, virtually delivered courses supplemented by face-to-face training, aimed at giving teens the skills they need for the state’s most in-demand jobs.

The first automotive technology students to complete the hybrid learning program are on track to finish school with a Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation in addition to their HSC, having completed hands-on training at TAFE NSW campuses in Mount Druitt, Wagga Wagga and Glendale during the school holidays.

Students have learned how cars and engines work and how to use traditional tools as well as the latest technology to make repairs.

The National Skills Commission identified motor mechanics as one of the top 10 occupations with job opportunities for people with the right qualifications. TAFE NSW is building a pipeline of skilled mechanics in Sydney by training more students to fulfill the demand for workers in this ever-evolving industry.

Year 12 student Xavier McDonald boards at The Scots College and completed the workshop at TAFE NSW Mount Druitt, and hopes the course sets him apart from his peers when he starts looking for apprenticeships.

“Where other mechanics might have left school in Year 10, I hope this course recognises that I’ve already dipped my toes in the field while also completing the HSC”, he said.

“My family lives in Coolah in regional NSW, so when I’ve finished studying, I’m hoping to go into plant and heavy machinery back home.”

Ben Mercer is in Year 12 at Model Farms High School and says the practical lessons have given him a great idea of what a career as a mechanic could be like.

“I’ve learnt a lot about all the components that make cars work from teachers who know what they’re talking about and share their real-life industry experiences.”

TAFE NSW Teacher of Automotives Gursewak Sandhu said the qualification would give students credit towards studying a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology at TAFE NSW, which was the minimum requirement needed to work as a motor technician.

“TAFE NSW is equipping teens with the in-demand, job-ready skills to hit the ground running in the workplace when they finish school.

“There are so many opportunities in the industry and these young people can use their experience to further their education and start their career in areas like sales, mechanics, diagnostics, body and paint refinishing and light or heavy equipment.”   

“The industry is finding that the most common reason job applicants are unsuitable for a role is because they lack relevant experience and qualifications,” Mr Sandhu said.

“These young people will have a huge advantage before they even complete their HSC.”

The course runs over two years and students participate in a mix of weekly teacher-led classes delivered virtually as well as workshop blocks at a TAFE NSW campus.

Marks gained can contribute to a student’s HSC and ATAR, if they sit the optional HSC exam.

Students interested in including a TAFE-delivered Vocational Education and Training (TVET) course in their studies in 2024 should talk to their school career adviser.

Media contact: Emily Dart, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, MediaRelease@tafensw.edu.au, 02 7921 6315.