Automotive Mechanic
Automotive Mechanic Course
Motor Mechanic is on Immigration’s Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). This means immigration has identified a need for more motor mechanics in Australia.
The Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology prepares students to perform a wide range of tasks in the light automotive industry. The Cert IV in Mechanical Diagnosis furthers these skills and provides students with in-depth knowledge of mechanics.
Throughout your studies you will learn most aspects of motor mechanics including how to diagnose complex faults in light vehicle petrol engines, electronic spark ignition engine management systems and braking systems.
- Have graduated year 12 in your home country.
- Have a minimum English score of IELTS 5.5
General Motor Mechanic (321211) – Is currently on the Skilled Occupations List.
The skills assessment for Mechanics is delivered through Trade Recognition Australia (TRA).
The current education qualification requirement to obtain a positive skills assessment is Cert III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology or Certificate III In Automotive Heavy Mechanical Technology.
If you undertake this course and participate in the job ready program you may even be able to do this without being sponsored by an employer and you may not need to live in a regional area. Below are some simple steps that may allow you to go down this pathway.
Graduates will be a qualified tradesperson in the automotive industry and will be skilled in many aspects of mechanics including:
- Repair air-braking systems
- Repair steering systems
- Workplace safety
- Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle systems
- Service brakes, cooling system, fuel system
- Service hydraulic systems
- Test and repair basic electrical systems
- Use and maintain workplace tools and equipment
Price (per year)
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Related Courses
Temporary Graduate Visa
If undertaking study in Australia for a minimum of 2 years you may qualify for the Temporary Skilled Graduate Visa. This visa allows the holder 1.5 years of unlimited work rights in Australia. Many graduates use this time to build up experience in their field or find an employer that is willing to sponsor their visa.
If you have applied for the Temporary Graduate Visa you may also be eligible to apply for the Job Ready Program. The Job Ready Program is run through TRA and allows graduates in certain disciplines to have their skills assessed for skilled migration purposes. It is a way for people with no experience to have their skills assessed. Once the student receives a positive skills assessment they may be eligible to apply for permanent work visas such as State Sponsored and General Skilled Migration Visas.
Note: It is never recommended to engage in studies for the sole purpose of trying to gain a visa to Australia. Speak to us and we can find a course that matches your long-term career goals.
Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows recent university graduates and certain vocational graduates the chance to remain in Australia and work after their studies have finished.
Education Pathways
General Motor Mechanic (321211) – Is currently on the Skilled Occupations List.
The skills assessment for Mechanics is delivered through – Trade Recognition Australia (TRA).
The qualification required to obtain a positive skills assessment as an automotive mechanic is the Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
If you undertake this course and participate in the job ready program you may even be able to do this without being sponsored by an employer and you may not need to live in a regional area.
Note: It is never recommended to engage in studies for the sole purpose of trying to gain a visa to Australia. Speak to us and we can find a course that matches your long-term career goals.
Step 1: Study a course or package of courses
Study a course or package of courses that goes for at least 2 years and includes the Cert III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology or Certificate III In Automotive Heavy Mechanical Technology
– Cert III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (24 months) or
– Certificate III In Automotive Heavy Mechanical Technology (24 months)
Step 2: Receive the Temporary Graduate Visa
By studying for 2 years and undertaking a 360 hours vocational placement during your studies (most education providers will arrange this for you), you may be eligible to apply for and receive the Temporary Graduate Visa. The graduate visa is a work visa that allows the visa holder to live and work in Australia for up to 18 months. For more information on the Graduate Visa, click here.
Step 3: Participate in the Job Ready Program
The main benefit of the JRP is that on completion you will be provided with a positive skills assessment for general migration purposes. On this program, you must work for at least 12 months as a qualified Automotive Mechanic.
Your employer will not need to sponsor your visa, as you will already be on the graduate visa. This will mean that you have a much higher chance of finding employment as it is very easy for the employer to hire you. You may find this video on the Job Ready Program helpful.
Step 4: Apply for a General Skilled Migration Visas
Once you have completed the Job Ready Program as a Mechanic you will receive a positive skills assessment. Once you have the positive skills assessment you may be able to apply for general skilled migration visas. If eligible, the general skilled migration visas (Skilled Independent Subclass 189, State Nominated Subclass 190 or Regional Nominated Subclass 491) do not require you to have an employer that is willing to sponsor your visa. Please note that you will still be required to pass the points test and health checks to apply for this visa.
Why Use Pathway to Aus?
Pathway to Aus has assisted thousands of student’s study or migrate to Australia. We are here to support you throughout your journey and make the transition as easy and smooth as possible. Our experienced team of Education and Migration agents are ready to work with you to help you achieve your education and migration goals.
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Interviews with Our Students
Feel free to check these interviews with some of our students.
Chris
South Africa
Cert III in Bricklaying
After Chris traveled to Australia on a vacation, he fell in love with the country and decided to pursue his dream to become a bricklayer in Australia.
William
Sweden
Civil Engineering
William is studying Associate Degree of Civil Engineering at TAFE QLD in Brisbane. He's building up his work experience and will apply for a permanent visa to Australia.
Denise
Germany
Civil Engineering
Denise came to Australia several times when she was younger and fell in love with the country. She decided to apply for a student visa and started her course at the Southbank campus of TAFE Queensland.
Raphael
France
Certificate III in Joinery
In late 2017 he decided to study joinery in Australia. He has now finished his course and has just had his temporary graduate work visa approved (subclass 485).
Louis
India
Automotive
After finishing high school, Louis decided to Automotive Mechanical at a college on The Gold Coast. After completing this course he obtained the Temporary Graduate Work Visa.Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do as a mechanic?
A mechanic might do any or all of the following in a normal day:
- Repair defective parts on automobiles, including these systems: steering, ignition, suspension, electrical, transmission (manual and automatic), exhaust, engine, braking, fuel supply, cooling, and gasoline
- Repair or replace individual parts such as the rods, plugs, valves, and pistons
- Replace various devices in vehicles such as pumps, carburettors, generators, and starters
- Rewire loose, broken, or damaged wires in the electrical system.
- Repair, replace, and adjust brakes
- Install, replace, and repair various accessories such as a stereo or radio, mirrors, and windshield wipers
- Reconstruct individual parts such as cylinder blocks or crankshafts
- Examine vehicles for damages and discuss the repairs that need to be done with customers
- Perform minor tasks such as replacing or adjusting headlights, replacing tires and aligning the wheels, or changing the oil filter
Where can I study to become a mechanic?
International students can study to be a motor mechanic in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast & Bundaberg
Can foreigners do an automotive apprenticeship in Australia?
International students can’t do a motor mechanic apprenticeship in Australia. Instead, they can study a 24-month vocational course to become a qualified motor mechanic. Click here to read more about apprenticeships and vocational courses for international students
What is the difference between an automotive mechanic and automotive electrician?
Auto electricians diagnose and repair issues within the electrical system of a vehicle, whilst a mechanic will diagnose issues and repair issues for the entire vehicle. If there is an issue with the electrical system, it may be referred to an automotive electrician
What qualifications do you need to be a motor mechanic?
To be a qualified motor mechanic in Australia you’ll need to successfully complete a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
How much does automotive mechanic make a year?
As per Job Outlook, a qualified motor mechanic earns $1,436 a week, on average
How long dates it take to become a qualified mechanic?
It usually takes 24 months for an international student to become a qualified motor mechanic.
Will these qualifications be recognised in my home country?
These qualifications are part of the Australian Qualification Framework. Most countries specifically European or North American countries accept qualifications issued by Australia. So yes, generally speaking, the qualifications will be accepted and allow you to work in your home country. Please note, we would always you check specifically with your home country.
Is a motor mechanic in demand in Australia?
Employment for motor mechanics has risen strongly in the past five years and will continue to rise slowly but steadily in the long-term future. Motor mechanics have a very high proportion of full-time jobs (94 %). Motor Mechanics is also currently on Australia’s Medium Long Term Skills Shortage List
How do I get started?
If you complete this questionnaire we’ll be able to send you some detailed information on the course and explain what documents you’ll need for enrolment
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