• Do you love heavy-duty machinery, enjoy working with your hands, get a thrill from diagnosing and fixing powerful engines and want to become a diesel motor mechanic?
• Do you want to begin your career journey in the Heavy Vehicle Servicing Industry?

Then this is the course for you.

To make an informed choice about the suitability of this course, please consider the essential skills and knowledge below. You must: 

• Follow instructions, Work Health and Safety procedures and work to deadlines
• Enjoy practical work and using manual hand tools
• Communicate with others, including customer service skills
• Work independently as well as in a team environment
• Use good hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills
• Have good vision and hearing

This entry level qualification will provide you with the practical skills and knowledge to work safely in a heavy automotive servicing environment. You will have the opportunity to work a range of heavy vehicles – like loaders, commercial trucks, tractors and/or stationary plant and machinery. (This will vary depending on the campus). You will gain the essential skills employers are looking for in heavy vehicle or plant mechanics, boosting your chances of securing an apprenticeship in the industry. 

Time Commitment – To keep up with this course, you’ll need to set aside enough time each week. This means showing up to your classes and doing some work on your own. That includes things like studying or reading before classes, getting ready for assessments, doing research, finishing assignments, and completing the required work placements.

As part of this course, you’ll need to complete:

• 150 hours of supervised work placement in a real workplace that matches what you are studying.

• You will need to find a suitable workplace for these hours, but South Regional TAFE will support you through the process.

• Work-placement hours might be outside normal class times, and they can vary depending on where you’re placed.

• Some workplaces might need you to complete extra steps before you start, like doing a safety induction. 

You’ll be responsible for:

• Showing up regularly and on time to your work placement.

• Getting yourself to and from the placement location — so plan your travel ahead of time.

Below are some of the important personal skills you will be required to develop and demonstrate during training. These skills are highly valued by industry:

• Respectful Communication – Learn how to talk and listen to people from all kinds of backgrounds, share your ideas clearly, and build trust with others.
• Teamwork – Work well with others, respect their ideas, and be open to feedback.
• Problem Solving – When something goes wrong, don’t stress — there’s always a way to fix it. Ask questions, get help if you need it, and think things through.
• Initiative – Stay motivated, act without being told, and speak up when you need support.
• Planning – Learn how to manage your time, stay organised, and get things done on time.
• Self-Management – Take a look at how you’re doing, learn from your mistakes, and take responsibility — that’s how you grow.
• Learning – Know what you’re already good at; and be ready to learn new things. You’ll pick up skills like:
  • Working safely in the construction industry
  • Using hand and power tools
  • Reading and understanding technical drawings
  • Taking electrical and electronic measurements
  • Connecting cords and plugs to electrical gear
  • Following workplace health and safety rules
• Technology – Get comfortable using digital tools and tech to help with your learning and work.