How To Become A Mechanic In Australia: A Complete Guide

Do you have a passion for cars and like to stay around them at all times?

Do you possess great analytical and problem-solving skills and are interested in working on the mechanical parts of motor vehicles? If yes, then you might consider becoming an auto mechanic!

A motor mechanic installs mechanical parts and accessories, repairs scratched body panels and fine-tunes engines to their highest operating efficiency.

Most Australian employers prefer candidates who possess formal post-secondary qualifications and have completed a Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation for the job.

This article is a valuable resource to learn about the automotive industry and how to get started as an auto mechanic. From an elaborate mechanic job description to information on salary, job outlook, mechanic career opportunities, and steps-wise instructions on the job application.

1. Who Is A Mechanic?

A Mechanic is a trained professional who is well versed in all facets of petrol engines and automotive parts of a motor vehicle. He uses a variety of tools to build automotive machinery, correctly diagnose and repair mechanical issues in it.

An auto mechanic is a detail-oriented professional who follows several checklists to thoroughly diagnose and repair the machine.

Based on the machinery they work on, an auto mechanic is categorized into two different classes as:

• Lightweight mechanics that involve working on smaller machines, like automotive engines, cars, light trucks, motorbikes, boats, and bikes 

• Heavyweight mechanics that involve working on larger machines, like tanks, farm machinery, and tractors

Most car technicians in Australia specialize in a specific field, such as air-conditioning, refrigeration, bicycle mechanics, or motor mechanics.

2. Why Should You Choose To Become A Motor Mechanic In Australia?

If you are a proactive problem solver with remarkable mathematical skills and the urge to learn the way things work, then there are plenty of reasons to choose a motor mechanic profession in Australia.

• You can pursue your passion and love for automobiles while earning a good sum of money

• Easy accessibility of mechanic courses and certification programs. Students can find them in nearly all prominent states of Australia such as Melbourne, Gold Coast, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide.

• Another appealing thing about making this career is the short duration of mechanic courses. Most of them take one or two years to prepare for the role of mechanic in Australia.

• As automobiles are here to stay for an indefinite period, so is the demand for a mechanic in Australia. Moreover, there are plenty of part-time and full-time job options available in this profession.

• Other pros of this career are the income-earning potential. A career as a mechanic pays you well. In Australia, a qualified mechanic earns around $1,435 every week, on average.

Thus, the job of a mechanic gives you a wonderful opportunity to start living your passion and make a handsome earning out of it in a short time.

3. What Are The Duties Of A Mechanic In Australia?

An automotive mechanic performs inspection, routine servicing, overhaul, and maintains the various mechanical components of light motor vehicles that include:

• The transmission system (clutch, differential, and gearbox)

• The suspension systems (tires, brakes, steering, wheels, and springs)

You require the technical ability to use computer diagnostic and testing equipment.

Here is a complete list of jobs that an auto mechanic does in Australia:

• Dismantle and remove engine assemblies, steering mechanisms, transmission systems, and other components

• Test, clean, and repair/ replace damaged, missing, or malfunctioning engine, electrical systems, ignition, fuel injection parts, lighting, or assemblies to ensure their proper functioning 

• Assemble and install mechanical parts while referring to service manuals whenever needed

• Regularly perform maintenance services, such as changing lubrication and oil, fine-tune engine, checking the condition of tires, and other tasks.

• Identify issues in the vehicle by test driving the vehicle, and using specialized test equipment.

• Examine vehicles and issue drivability certificates 

• Discuss the issues, solutions, and costs of issues with vehicle owners/operators, 

• Use special electronic equipment to tune engines and make proper adjustments for effortless operation 

• Use oxy, TIG, MIG, and electric welders while doing bolting, riveting, soldering, brazing, and welding of mechanical parts

• test and repair different components of the vehicle

• Reassembles engines and parts after being repaired

• Ensure that the vehicle adheres to the laws enacted to curb pollution

4. What Skills Are Needed To Become An Auto Mechanic In Australia?

The job of a mechanic needs regular interaction with customers to explain the faults in their vehicle and possible repair works. Therefore, strong communication skills are a prerequisite mechanic requirement in Australia.

In addition to it, a good mechanic also has immense patience and perseverance for the identification and rectification of faults.

Here is a quick checklist of must-have skills in a mechanic in Australia:

• Physically Fit 

• Good eyesight

• Analytical thinker

• Detail-oriented

• Trustworthy

• Good at solving problems

• Able to work as a team or on its own

• Good at doing calculations

• Enjoy doing manual and practical tasks

• Skilled in working with hand tools

• Aptitude for technical activities

• Able to work overtime, and under deadlines

5. What Automotive Preparation Qualification Do You Need?

The first step to knowing how to become a mechanic in Australia is to learn about certain requirements that qualify you to work as a mechanic in Australia.

A relevant VET mechanic qualification that provides valuable practical experience to students while you learn. A student can take this course as a mechanic apprenticeship wherein they can study as well as get practical industrial exposure.

The VET automotive qualification helps students gain fundamental knowledge about the automotive industry that prepares them for a starting-level career in this field.

Students aspiring to become a mechanic should get the necessary skills to recognize, examine and do basic repair works on the electrical/ mechanical parts of bicycles, motorcycles, marine craft, outdoor power equipment, and more.

Following are a few VET automotive mechanic courses In Australia:

Diploma of Automotive Technology

• Location: At TAFE, Western Australia

• Duration: 1 Semester

• Scholarship, and Internship available

Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis

• Location: At TAFE Western Australia

• Qualification: Certificate IV

• Duration: 1 Semester(s)

• Scholarship, and Internship available

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

• Location: At TAFE Queensland

• Qualification: Certificate III

• Duration: 21 Month(s)

• No Internship

• Only Scholarship

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Overhauling

• Location: At TAFE Queensland

• Qualification: Certificate IV

• Duration: 2 Year(s)

Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

• Location: At TAFE Queensland

• Qualification: Certificate III

• Duration: 2 Year(s)

6. Steps To Become A Mechanic In Australia

Your chances to secure a job in the automotive industry increase when you get the necessary skills and qualifications.

Having understood the job profile, if you are serious to pursue a mechanic profession, then the below steps will guide you on channelizing your efforts in the right direction.

Step 1: Refine your skills

The pathway to making a sound career starts from the high school level. You can take classes that teach about operating tools that mechanics use on the job.

Complete Year 10 at the least, majoring in Mathematics and Sciences.

Step 2: Get Certified

70% of the employed mechanics have a Certificate III or Certificate IV mechanic qualification in Australia, whereas only 10.6% of them possess a “Year 12” qualification as the highest qualification.

Most employers look for candidates who have a formal post-secondary qualification. For an entry-level career, you can enroll in Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation (AUR20720). This course offers training in different facets of the automotive industry such as:

• Motor mechanics

• Engine reconditioning and Interpretation of faults

• Agricultural Mechanic

• Marine mechanics

• Light Vehicle Mechanic

• Heavy Diesel or Commercial Machinery Mechanic

• Automotive Electrical

Step 3: Get Training

Often people ask how long does it take to become a mechanic in Australia?

To become a fully qualified motor mechanic in Australia, a candidate must complete a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30612) and do 3 to 4 years of apprenticeship.

Step 4: Get Work Experience

After getting training, apply for automotive jobs in your area. Focus on gaining experience either as a mechanic or working with petrol/diesel-driven machines.

During your employment, keep acquiring skills and knowledge as it will help expand your career opportunities within the industry.

TAFE NSW is a reputed learning platform that offers a wide range of courses in areas of Automotive Industry Retail, Automotive Service, and Repair Training. Choose the relevant course to specialize in and increase your employability.

7. How To Become A Mechanic Without School?

You do not need any formal qualification to become a mechanic in Australia.

However, Mechanic TAFE courses prepares the students for a broad range of careers, that includes motor repairs, motor mechanics, and painting with any automotive organization.

The best part of mechanic apprenticeship TAFE is that there are many free courses available for students in a wide range of locations.

Mechanic TAFE courses are offered in four main categories:

• Automotive Body Repair

• Automotive Mechanics

• Automotive Sales

• Automotive and Marine Trimming

To learn how to be a mechanic in Australia, you can undertake the following courses:

Certificate I in Automotive Vocational Preparation (AUR10120)

• Venue: Campus/Apprenticeship

• Type of Course: Full Time, Part-Time

• Duration: 1.5 months to 4.5 months

• Locations: Hunter, North Coast, Riverina, Western Sydney

Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology (AUR20218)

• Venue: Campus/Apprenticeship

• Type of Course: Full Time, Part-Time

• Hrs per week: 2.0 hrs to 24.0hrs

• Duration: 2.5 months to 4.2 months

• Locations: Illawarra, Riverina, and Western Sydney

Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology (AUR20516)

• Venue: Campus/Apprenticeship

• Type of Course: Full Time, Part-Time

• Hrs per week: 9.3 to 22.5hrs

• Duration: 4 months to 4.5 months

• Locations: New England, Riverina, South Western Sydney, Western Sydney

Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology (AUR30316)

• Venue: Campus/Apprenticeship

• Type of Course: Variable, Full Time, Part-Time

• Hrs per week: 7.0 hrs to 41.3hrs

• Duration: 9 months to 3 years

• Locations: Hunter, Illawarra, North Coast, Riverina, South Western Sydney, and Western Sydney

Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31116)

• Venue: Campus/Apprenticeship

• Type of Course: Variable, Full Time, Part-Time

• Hrs per week: 7.5 to 41.2hrs

• Duration: 5.2 Months to 3 years

• Locations: Hunter, Illawarra, North Coast, Riverina, South Western Sydney

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620)

• Venue: Campus/Apprenticeship

• Type of Course: Full Time, Part-Time

• Hrs per week: 7.0 hrs to 40.0hrs

• Duration: 3 years

• Locations: Hunter, Illawarra, New England, North Coast, Northern Sydney, Riverina, South Western Sydney, Sydney, Western Sydney

Certificate III in Automotive Body Repair Technology (AUR32116)

• Venue: Campus/Apprenticeship

• Type of Course: Full Time, Part-Time

• Hrs per week: 6.8 hrs to 12.5hrs

• Duration: 9 months to 4 years

• Fees from: Fee-Free if Eligible for Job Trainer

• Locations: Hunter, Illawarra, North Coast, Riverina, South Western Sydney, Sydney

Certificate III in Automotive Refinishing Technology (AUR32416)

• Venue: Campus/Apprenticeship

• Type of Course: Full Time, Part-Time

• Hrs per week: 7.0hrs to 8.0hrs

• Duration: 2.5 years to 3 years

• Locations: Hunter, Illawarra, North Coast, Riverina, South Western Sydney, Sydney

8. How Much Does A Mechanic Earn In Australia?

Salary and job prospects are other key areas that you can’t overlook when deciding about your future career.

In the context of a mechanic in Australia, the average salary that a motor mechanic earns in Australia ranges between $48,519 to a maximum of $62,142.

As per the Australian job outlook website, the average per week mechanic salary in Australia for a Motor Mechanic is $1435 and for Diesel Mechanic is $1436.

Considering past 3 months to 12 months data, mechanic jobs are advertised in Australia within the following salary bands:

• NSW: between $50k and $80k

• VIC: between $55k and $70k

• WA: between $60k and $70k 

• QLD: between $60k and $70k 

• SA: between $50k and $70k 

• NT: between $60k and $70k

• ACT: $60k and $70k

9. Working Conditions For A Motor Mechanic In Australia

Area of work

A career as a mechanic is quite exciting and diverse. Car technicians are generally employed in private garages, workshops, or automotive repair shops.

Age Group

Most mechanics in Australia are between the age of 25 years to 34 years. A very few percentages of the mechanic population (6.4%) are above 50 years, whereas only 7.4% of aspiring mechanics are below 19 years.

Physically Challenging

The job of a motor mechanic in Australia requires staying in uncomfortable positions for prolonged periods when making repairs. This makes the job physically demanding.

You may even have to spend your entire day on your feet. Occasionally, you might need to work beyond your usual working hours and on weekends too. This makes it important for a mechanic to be healthy and fit.

Uniform and Wearables

A mechanic in Australia may need to work with greasy auto components and tools that can get them untidy and messy. Due to this reason, they generally wear protective clothing.

Challenging But Rewarding

To work in the automotive industry isn’t easy. The working condition of mechanics involves a lot of stress, continuous attentiveness, and commitment to hard work.

Though the work may tire you, at the end of the day, you will feel satisfied looking at the issues you have fixed.

10. Employment Opportunities For A Mechanic In Australia

Mechanics are employed all over Australia, including regional as well city areas. They are primarily hired by motor vehicle dealers, automobile repairers, and vehicle service stations.

Common sectors of employment include defence, communications, energy, transport, and public works. Some are also employed in private firms with expansive service fleets vehicles, testing departments of vehicle manufacturing firms, and specialist firms that offer services for a specific make/model of a vehicle.

A mechanic may not necessarily have to be employed in a public/private firm. Experienced mechanics can establish and run their own automobile repair shops.

Based on the mechanic employment data in Australia, only 10% of mechanics are employed part-time. The average number of hours for a full-time mechanic worker is 44 hours a week.

The average annual salary that you can expect as a mechanic is $60,000. However, the exact remuneration depends on the skillset, experience level, and job profile of a mechanic.

For most of the time, a mechanism has to be on site. The job offers fewer opportunities to work from home/remote location.

11. Job Prospects Of Auto Mechanics In The Australian Automotive Industry

Mechanics is a large occupation, and its demand is spread uniformly throughout Australia and worldwide. The right way to build a promising automotive career is to specialize in a specific segment, such as electronic, engine management, and body works.

The modern age cars are heavily based on electronics. This shows that the current and the future demand for auto-electricians / auto mechanics is expected to continuously rise at a moderate pace in the long term.

So, aspiring auto mechanics should know that this profession is a profitable career and offer a high level of job security too.

Robotics, augmented reality, AI-driven car technologies, and autonomous vehicles are some of the latest trends and development in this field. For a sustainable career in this dynamic industry, it is required to keep learning and stay updated at all times.

12. Pros And Cons Of Working As A Mechanic In Australia

Pros

• You get a chance to work on different makes/models of cars 

• The challenge of identifying and resolving different types of faults in a variety of machines is enriching and exciting

• You can use the skills and knowledge learned at the workplace to repair your car or your parent’s or friend’s car. In this way, it saves money and dependency on external car technicians.

• This dynamic field offers a plethora of opportunities to constantly expand your experience and knowledge

• The happiness you get by helping others and easing their life is unexplainable in words

• Almost everyone who owns a vehicle wants a mechanic. This translates to umpteen job opportunities. Thus, it is a highly secure and in-demand profession. 

• Working independently in your auto repair shop gives you flexibility and freedom

Cons

• Sometimes the work tests your patience level

• Learning about the mechanics of different cars and automobiles and staying updated on recent trends makes it challenging

• Often the job is of a repetitive nature 

• Long working hours

• Slow career progression

• Keeping up with the environmental regulations and constant changes is a real challenge 

• Pay packet doesn’t match the amount of work accomplished

13. Conclusion

A career in auto mechanics could set you on the pathway to pursue your passion and work with the automobiles that interest you.

Considering the huge enthusiasm for cars and fierce competition in the automotive industry, the road to make a start in this industry is challenging but achievable.

It is important to get qualified and skilled before approaching potential employers and make targeted efforts continuously to materialize your dream career.

FAQ’s On Becoming A Mechanic in Australia

Can international students become a mechanic in Australia?

It takes around 2 years for an international student to become a qualified mechanic. A trained mechanic can apply for and obtain a graduate work visa post completion of a course.

How can I immigrate to Australia as a car mechanic?

Mechanics are in huge demand in Australia. If you are a trained mechanic, you can apply for a general skilled migration visa or a permanent work visa to Australia.

Is there a lot of work for mechanics in Australia?

As most adults in Australia own cars, they need quality mechanics to service them. Thus, there is no dearth of work for qualified and experienced motor mechanics in Australia.

How to become a mechanic in NSW?

If you live in NSW, then TAFE NSW offers numerous mechanic courses to students all over the globe. Their courses are classified into four main categories:

• Automotive Body Repair

• Automotive Mechanics

• Automotive Sales

• Automotive and Marine Trimming

Students can choose the relevant course and enhance their job skills and prospects.

How to become a mechanic in Queensland?

Reach Community College and TAFE are two reputable universities in Australia that offer varied automotive courses to aspiring mechanics in Australia.

You can enroll in any of the below courses:

• Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology - At TAFE Queensland

• Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Overhauling - At TAFE Queensland

After training, seek an internship program to get industrial work exposure and enhance your skillset.

How to become a mechanic in Victoria?

Box Hill and Menzies Institute of Technology are the two reputed institutes that offer fee-based automotive courses in Australia. Their popularly offered courses are as follows:

• Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology at Menzies Institute of Technology, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia

• Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis, at Box Hill Institute, Victoria

These courses give you basic knowledge of motor mechanics and prepare you for a beginner-level role as a mechanic. Once you get trained, you can apply for an internship program and get work experience.

Useful Links to Explore:

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• How to find Part-Time work as a Student in Australia
• Seven Tips for Students on a Budget in Australia
• How to get a Scholarship to Study in Australia
• Driving in Australia as an International Student
• How to change your Course or Institute in Australia
• The Benefits of a Professional Year Program (PYP)
• A Complete Guide to Study in Australia
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• What to Study in Australia?