Best courses for Australian mechanics

Becoming a mechanic requires specific training that involves both hands-on experience and theory-based study. And a good dose of enthusiasm, to boot!
It can be tricky, however, to find a course in automotive repairs which is flexible enough to work around your existing job. You still have to pay the bills, after all. But many students don’t consider the best option, which is to study and work in your field simultaneously. Doing this can be extremely beneficial as it means that you can implement all the things you’re learning in a practical way. It’s an effective method of really drilling in all the theory in your lessons and remembering how to carry out specific repairs. We take a look at a few of the best, flexible courses in Australia that can include apprenticeship-based learning, and which produce highly qualified automotive mechanics.

CERTIFICATE II IN AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONING TECHNOLOGY

Specialising in automotive air conditioning technology requires detailed training. A certificate II in this area is beneficial for those just starting out in the industry, and those who have been working as a mechanic for some time and wish to gain new skills. Specialists in motor vehicle air conditioning are highly valued in servicing garages and workshops. This certificate will prepare you to repair and service both light and heavy vehicle’s air conditioning components and systems.

CERTIFICATE II & CERTIFICATE III IN AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRICAL TECHNOLOGY

Working in automotive electrical technology is a varied position that will have you carrying out a variety of jobs. It may involve performing component and system fabrication, soldering electrical wiring and circuits, installing vehicle lighting and wiring systems and inspecting, testing and servicing batteries. A certificate II in this area will qualify you to become an automotive electrical trainee or assistant, where you will help to install components and service systems. A certificate III in this field will provide you with a higher qualification to become an automotive electrician or diagnostic technician.

CERTIFICATE II & CERTIFICATE III IN AUTOMOTIVE BODY REPAIR TECHNOLOGY

If you’re interested in repairing damaged car bodies, this course is for you! Expect to learn how to fix dented panels, rectify fading or peeling paint and apply refinishing primers to vehicle surfaces. A certificate II will allow you to become a vehicle body repair or painter’s assistant, or a vehicle detailer. A certificate III will qualify you to be a vehicle body repair and restoration technician, and allow you to work on the chassis and body of heavy vehicles.

CERTIFICATE II & CERTIFICATE III IN AUTOMOTIVE UNDERBODY TECHNOLOGY

These certificates intend to assist students in becoming vehicle servicepeople. Working in a servicing garage, you would be inspecting and servicing braking, steering and suspension systems, amongst many other vehicle components. You would be expected to troubleshoot automotive faults and test and repair components. A certificate II in automotive underbody technology will qualify you to become a vehicle serviceperson, while a certificate III will allow you to gain knowledge in many different areas, and progress to a professional underbody repairs technician.

CERTIFICATE II IN AUTOMOTIVE TYRE SERVICING TECHNOLOGY

A Certificate II in automotive tyre servicing technology can be carried out for light, heavy or heavy agricultural vehicles. As an automotive tyre fitter, you will learn how to remove, inspect, repair and refit vehicle tyres and tubes. You will balance wheels and tyres, and carry out wheel alignment operations. When undergoing a certificate II in automotive tyre servicing technology for heavy or heavy agricultural vehicles, you can choose electives that will teach you how to service tyres for light vehicles as well. However, if you decide to complete a certificate II in automotive tyre servicing technology for light vehicles only, you will not learn how to service tyres for heavy vehicles. So it’s important to look towards your future career goals before enrolling in your course, and assess whether you may benefit from heavy vehicle knowledge and skills in this area.

CERTIFICATE III IN LIGHT VEHICLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

This certificate qualifies you to carry out a broad range of mechanical work on light vehicles. It will assist you in getting a job in a servicing garage or automotive repairs workshop. You will learn how to diagnose and repair charging, starting and ignition systems, hydraulic braking systems, suspension systems and engines, just to name a few! You will also have the opportunity to learn how to service air conditioning systems and carry out vehicle safety inspections in this course, should you wish to gain these skills. Upon completion, you can obtain a job as a light vehicle mechanical technician.

CERTIFICATE III IN HEAVY COMMERCIAL VEHICLE MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY

The vital components of this course are much the same as the above certificate, except that it is targeted at learning how to carry out mechanical work for heavy vehicles. You will learn how to diagnose and repair heavy vehicle compression ignition engines, drive shafts and emission control systems. You will also inspect and service diesel fuel injection systems. You can choose to learn how to remove, inspect and refit heavy vehicle wheel and tyre assemblies (the same unit that appears in the certificate II in Automotive Tyre Servicing Technology for heavy vehicles) as one of your electives if you wish to gain skills in this department also. This certificate is ideal for anyone who wants to specialise in the servicing of heavy vehicles.

CERTIFICATE III IN AUTOMOTIVE REFINISHING TECHNOLOGY

If your ultimate goal is to make vehicles look as top-notch as possible, a job as a refinishing technician is for you! This course will teach you how to remove paint, rectify and touch up vehicle paint faults, de-nib, buff and polish surfaces, and apply a variety of refinishing materials. When choosing your elective units in this course, you also have the chance to learn how to inspect vehicle damage and determine repair procedures and carry out non-structural vehicle panel repairs. This certificate will prepare you to undertake a job as a refinishing technician for light and heavy vehicles, as well as a range of machinery and tools.