Automotive Technician

• Certificate I in Automotive (Specialising in Light Vehicle)
• Certificate I in Automotive
• Certificate II in Automotive Mechanical

Automotive technicians service and repair motorised vehicles, ranging in size from small engines to lightweight vehicles. They also carry out these services on motorised equipment including heavy duty equipment. The first task an automotive technician would typically perform once someone has requested their services is inspect the vehicle or equipment, locate the fault(s) and diagnose the problem.

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Entry into this occupation is generally through an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Certificate III or higher qualification. Of those employed 69% have a Certificate III or IV and 23% have no post-school qualifications. It is recommended that you gain the available qualifications to get the best possible chance of employment.

TAFE SA offers the following courses to help you find employment in this occupation:
Certificate I in Automotive;
Certificate I in Automotive (Specialising in Light Vehicle);
Certificate II in Automotive Mechanical;
Certificate II in Automotive Vehicle Body;
Double Certificate I in Automotive and Engineering;
Double Certificate in Engineering & Automotive Mechanical.

Still unsure? Then enrol in a short course also offered through TAFE SA such as Auto Electrical. For further information about these and related courses go to the TAFE SA website www.tafe.sa.edu.au.

There are SA Apprenticeships available in this occupation for further information go to the Traineeship & Apprenticeship website www.employment.sa.gov.au or phone the Freecall number 1800 673 097.

Automotive technicians are usually employed by service stations, car dealerships and auto repair shops. These can range from small shops which undertake a variety of repair jobs, to larger shops that specialise in a particular make of vehicle component, for example, mufflers or brakes, or in heavy duty mechanics. Heavy duty/plant technicians usually work in large workshops, or are required to work where the vehicle, vessel or piece of equipment is located. Heavy duty technicians, who work primarily with large diesel engines, transmissions and drivelines, are employed by transport companies, mining, earthmoving and construction companies, as well as in the agricultural sector.

Opportunities can exist for those with good business skills to become self employed. A new service, called 'mobile mechanics', assists people at their homes, businesses, or wherever the machinery is located. They provide regular vehicle maintenance, repairs and tune ups. Automotive technicians may also move into positions such as service manager, service adviser or technical sales representative.

Retail Trade

Shannon Deussen – Automotive Technician
“I did the course to get an idea of the industry, it offered a good insight into what it was.”

Shannon has always had an interest in both cars and the automotive industry, which led him to study the Certificate III in Automotive (Mechanical – Light Vehicle) at TAFE. “I did the course to get an idea of the industry,’ he said, “It offered a good insight into what it was.”

Shannon started off in the Pre Vocational course, which led him to gain employment through work experience and commence his apprenticeship. “I was impressed with how the modules were set out and there’s a good student and teacher relationship,” he said, “Some of the modules were also accredited to the apprenticeship criteria.”

During his Pre Vocational course Shannon gained an award for outstanding achievement and has continued to be successful, being one of two winners gaining the highest total marks in answering a series of Peugeot questionnaires, winning him a trip to attend the International Peugeot Convention in France.

Shannon is close to completing his apprenticeship and in the future would like to both continue with his interest and involvement in motor sports as well as continue to develop his skills and understanding within the industry. “I want to expand my knowledge in the mechanics field and also do more electronics,” he said, “The industry is moving more towards electronics and the course has opened me up to this side of the automotive industry.”

The work carried out by automotive technicians includes maintenance tasks such as changing the oil, pressure testing of cooling systems, testing injectors, changing air filters or worn belts, replacing spark plugs and computerised tune ups, according to an industry professional. Automotive technicians also set the timing chain, adjust the carburettor and replace, rotate or change tyres. They also test, tune, repair and overhaul engines, as well as repair and overhaul steering and braking systems, transmissions, vehicle suspensions, electrical systems and airconditioning systems. To do this, automotive technicians rely on a wide range of tools, including welding and diagnostic equipment. Today, all new cars boast at least one computerised component, so automotive technicians need to use computerised diagnostic equipment. This adds to the complexities already present in this occupation, making it a challenging, high tech job.

Automotive technicians should be in good physical condition, as this work requires heavy lifting, bending and standing for extended periods. You will need to have good analytical and problem solving ability and be at ease when using various types of mechanical equipment. Its important also for people considering this occupation to demonstrate a preparedness to undergo ongoing learning because of the increasing level of computerised equipment used.

Automotive technicians have to get used to getting their hands very dirty in this occupation and be quick to smile at the customers who regularly pop into the workshop. ''Most of my customers are more like friends. I've been working on their cars for years. That's one thing that I have learned about this business. You generate a lot of work just through word of mouth,'' says Allan. Work hours are usually 8 am until 5 pm, Monday to Saturday. There is currently a shortage of automotive technicians in Australia. Despite a decline in demand for automotive technicians in the mining industry, overall demand is still expected to be above average for the next couple of years. This field will remain a growth area due to an increasing population and therefore more people buying and driving cars.

For further information, contact:

Motor Trade Association of South Australia Inc
GPO Box 2204 Adelaide SA 5001
Ph: (08) 8291 2000
Fax: (08) 8291 2099
Email: mta@mta-sa.asn.au
Website: www.mta-sa.asn.au

The starting salary is about $25,000 per year and this may go as high as $55,000 for automotive technicians running their own business as a single operator. Self employed automotive technicians who employ several other mechanics can earn around the $80,000 mark but this is more the exception than the rule.

For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au