Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620)

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR30620) is the trade qualification behind a career as a car mechanic. It covers the servicing, diagnosis and repair of cars, utes and light commercial vehicles, from engines and transmissions through to braking, steering and electronic engine management.

1300apprentice employs you directly, places you with a host employer for your paid on-the-job training, and supports you through the off-the-job training until you finish. You earn while you learn, and you complete the same nationally recognised qualification as any light vehicle apprentice. Explore all automotive apprenticeships, or read how to become a mechanic.

Qualification

AUR30620 Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology. Nationally recognised. Typically completed over a four year apprenticeship combining paid work with structured off-the-job training.

What You Learn

• Service and maintain petrol, diesel and hybrid light vehicles
• Diagnose and repair engine, transmission and driveline faults
• Inspect and repair braking, steering and suspension systems
• Test and repair electrical and electronic engine management systems
• Use diagnostic scan tools and interpret fault codes
• Read technical manuals and manufacturer specifications
• Apply workplace health and safety requirements in a workshop

Entry Requirements

• No formal prerequisites. A genuine interest in vehicles and reasonable mechanical aptitude
• Employment as an apprentice. 1300apprentice can employ you and place you with a host employer
• A Unique Student Identifier (USI) before you start your training
• Open to school leavers, mature age career changers and school-based apprentices

How The Apprenticeship Works

1300apprentice is your legal employer. We pay your wages and superannuation, arrange your training with your host employer, and mentor you through to completion. Your host employer provides the day-to-day workshop experience, and your off-the-job training is delivered by a registered training organisation such as TAFE. If a host employer’s workload changes, we can move you to another host so your apprenticeship keeps going. See what you can expect to earn on our mechanic apprentice wages page.

FAQ

How long is a light vehicle mechanic apprenticeship?

A light vehicle mechanic apprenticeship generally takes three to four years to complete. You are employed and paid throughout, and you progress through competency stages rather than simply serving time, so apprentices who pick things up quickly can finish sooner. Your off-the-job training runs alongside your paid work for the whole period.

Do I need to go to TAFE to become a light vehicle mechanic?

You do need to complete off-the-job training to become a light vehicle mechanic, and for most apprentices that is delivered by TAFE or another registered training organisation. It runs alongside your paid work rather than instead of it, usually as scheduled blocks or one day a week. 1300apprentice arranges this training as part of your apprenticeship, so you do not need to organise it yourself.

What is the difference between Certificate III in Light Vehicle and Heavy Commercial Vehicle?

The difference between the light vehicle and heavy commercial vehicle certificates is the type of vehicle you are qualified to work on. Light vehicle (AUR30620) covers cars, utes and light commercials. Heavy commercial vehicle (AUR31120) covers trucks, buses and heavy diesel engines, including air braking and hydraulic systems. Both are three to four year apprenticeships, and both are available through 1300apprentice.

Can I do a light vehicle apprenticeship without experience?

You can do a light vehicle apprenticeship without any previous experience. The qualification assumes you are starting from the beginning, and your host employer and off-the-job training build your skills across the full three to four years. Reliability, a genuine interest in vehicles and a willingness to learn matter far more than prior workshop time.

Explore Your Light Vehicle Mechanic Pathway

If light vehicle mechanical work sounds like the right fit for you, explore our current automotive apprenticeship opportunities or register your interest with 1300apprentice. We can help you understand the application process, available pathways and what to expect if you secure a light vehicle apprentice through us.

Call 1300 277 736 or register your interest.