OverviewAbout this course
Enjoy an active and fulfilling career maintaining and repairing mobile plant machinery in the mining, construction, forestry and earth-moving industry. Become a qualified mobile plant mechanic and stay one step ahead of technology.
OutcomesWhat you'll gain
Learning outcomes
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Diagnose and repair engine components such as drive and support systems
Address issues with mobile plant braking systems, fluid power and steering systems
Problem-solve drive assemblies and transmissions
Understand and repair electrical and electronic circuit systems
Course outcomes
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
The skills to service and repair mechanical and electrical systems of mobile plant earthmoving and construction equipment
Experience in troubleshooting issues in a supportive learning environment
Eligibility to apply for your automotive mechanic tradesperson certificate of proficiency
The tools to enter a career in the mining, construction, agriculture or automotive retail industries
SuitabilityIs this course right for you?
Entry requirements
This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
To take this course as an apprenticeship you need to be employed as an apprentice in the industry as evidenced by a letter of support from your employer and
Submit your Training Plan Proposal (TPP) with your application
Completion requirements
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
A refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) trainee licence is required for anybody who is handling refrigerant while undertaking training and/or assessment. You must hold a RAC if you wish to complete the 'Service Air Conditioning and HVAC Systems' and 'Diagnose and Repair Air Conditioning and HVAC Components' units during your study. For further information please visit the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) website.
Your teacher will let you know when you need to take:
A Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test and achieve a score of 2 across the bands of Learning, Reading and Writing, a score of 3 across the bands of Numeracy and Oral Communication and a score of 1 across one band of Digital Literacy. 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:
Literacy, Language and Numeracy skills at a Year 10 or equivalent level, with satisfactory Maths and English skills
A reasonable level of fitness to conduct heavy lifting and manual tasks
Good communication skills
The ability to work in a team environment
Commitment to complete formal training with TAFE NSW and informal, on-the-job training with your employer
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:
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: mobile plant mechanic, mobile plant technician and mobile plant fitter.
Licensing
Workers who operate in the automotive refrigerant sector must hold the relevant Australian Refrigerant Council Refrigerant Handling licence. Visit the Artick website for more information on applying for the appropriate Refrigerant Handling license. A white card (or general construction induction card) is required for any worker who needs to access a construction site. Local regulations should also be checked for requirements. Visit the SafeWork website for more information on applying for your white card.
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 Mobile Plant Technology does not have any post-graduate courses.
Related study3 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 Mobile Plant Technology qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 36 Units of competency, including 9 core and 27 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 workplaceAURAEA002
Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplaceAURASA102
Test and repair basic electrical circuitsAURETR112
Test, charge and replace batteries and jump-start vehiclesAURETR125
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