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National code: AUR31120

Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology

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Overview About this course

Become a qualified heavy diesel mechanic and learn to diagnose, repair and maintain heavy vehicles. Gain the skills you need to fix trucks, keeping them safe and operational. Enjoy a rewarding career in a skills shortage industry and play an important role in keeping trucks on the road.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Use hand and power tools, and workshop equipment

  • Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle automotive, mechanical, pneumatic, hydraulic and electrical systems

  • Disassemble and reassemble components and mechanical systems

  • Work independently and collaboratively

  • Follow safe working practices

Course outcomes

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

  • Experience diagnosing and testing electrical systems

  • A trade-level qualification

  • Eligibility to apply for your motor vehicle tradesperson certificate

  • Skills to place you in high demand in a recognised skills shortage industry

Suitability Is 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 Network Provider 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

  • This course may be offered as a non-apprenticeship. Check your preferred campus page for more information.

Entry recommendations

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

  • An interest in mechanics

  • Maths and English skills at a year 10 level

  • Good communication skills

  • The ability to work in a team environment

  • A reasonable level of fitness to manage the physical demands of the role

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.

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: heavy diesel mechanic and heavy diesel technician.

Licensing

You will need a motor vehicle tradesperson certificate to work in this industry. Anyone who operates in the automotive refrigerant sector must hold relevant the Australian Refrigerant Council Refrigerant Handling licence. It’s important to check the licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements relating to your future career by visiting NSW Fair Trading or your state licensing body.

Study pathways

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

Previous study 0 Courses

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

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

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 0 Courses

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

The Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology does not have any related courses.

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 Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 36 Units of competency, including 22 core and 14 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 environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace AURAEA002

  • Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace AURASA102

  • Test and repair basic electrical circuits AURETR112

  • Diagnose and repair vehicle dynamic control systems AURETR122

  • ... 6

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 Find a location to enrol

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