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About Automotive
You'll become
Average Salaries
Automotive workers may earn between $33,000 and $67,000 per year
Build practical skills for an in-demand profession and start an exciting new career by studying an automotive course.
Turn your talents for problem-solving and practical work into an exciting career by studying an automotive course.
A large and vital industry, the automotive sector currently employs over 100,000 people, according to the Department of Employment, and employers are currently having trouble filling essential skilled roles in the automotive sector in some parts of Australia.
Build the skills and knowledge required to fill these gaps, perform the important tasks required to ensure the smooth running of millions of Australian vehicles, and start a rewarding new career helping people by studying an automotive course.
In an automotive course, you’ll learn all elements of vehicle service and repair, including how to diagnose, investigate and service a range of problems in vehicles, how to maintain and repair electrical systems, and how to maintain and improve vehicle paint and panels.
Practical and hands-on, an automotive course will give you the essential skills required to work in the automotive industry. The Australian Government’s Department of Employment reports that over 70 per cent of motor mechanics hold a certificate-level qualification, which could see you working professionally in the industry in as little as one year.
If you’re seeking an exciting practical career working to solve problems and investigate issues, consider joining the automotive industry.
You must study an automotive course at a range of different levels, including as a certificate or diploma course, or as a graduate certificate or post-graduate diploma. After completing your qualification, you’ll be eligible to seek employment in a range of roles within the automotive sector, including working as a motor mechanic or electrician, or may choose to work with small motors and machinery in a range of different areas.
If you want a practical and exciting career helping to make our world run, take your first career step by studying an automotive course.
What do automotive graduates do?
After completing an automotive course, you may choose to work as an automotive electrician or a motor mechanic. If you choose to work as an automotive electrician, you may perform tasks like:
- Testing and locating electrical issues and malfunctioning systems in cars;
- Dismantling and removing electrical components;
- Installing electrical equipment and electronic components in cars;
- Connecting power-operated vehicle equipment and accessories to power supplies;
- Adjusting engine control systems and timing;
- Testing and replacing defective alternators, generators, voltage regulators and starter motors;
- Repairing and replacing faulty ignition and electrical wiring; and
- Replacing defective parts such as fuses, lamps and switches.
If you choose to study to work as a motor mechanic, you’ll likely work with small engines and motor machinery, performing tasks like:
- Investigating engines and parts to detect faults;
- Removing and dismantling engine assemblies, transmissions, steering mechanisms and other components;
- Checking, repairing and replacing worn and defective parts;
- Performing scheduled maintenance services, including oil changes, lubrications and engine tune-ups;
- Reassembling repaired parts and engines;
- Testing and adjusting mechanical parts after being repaired; and
- Inspecting vehicles and issuing certificates of roadworthiness.
Career Outcomes
Career Outcomes
After completing an automotive course, you’ll be qualified to seek employment as a:
Is automotive right for you?
You’ll enjoy working in the automotive industry if you:
- Love problem-solving
- Enjoy focused work
- Enjoy practical work
- Are highly proactive and disciplined
- Can work well independently
- Have excellent time management and organisational skills
- Can work well with a team
- Can work responsively
- Cam communicate clearly and succinctly
- Work well under pressure
- Enjoy dynamic and fast-paced work
- Enjoy customer service
- Are interested in cars and machinery
Job opportunities
The automotive industry in Australia is an extremely large and growing sector, with roles available all over the country, according to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook.
Currently employing approximately 100,700 mechanics and approximately 10,900 automotive electricians, the sector has been growing steadily over the last decade and is expected to stabilise by 2020 to employ approximately 98,100 mechanics and 10,700 electricians
Average Salaries
According to PayScale, an automotive mechanic can expect to earn between $33,000 and $67,000 per year, with an annual average salary of approximately $50,000.
PayScale notes a positive relationship between experience and earning capacity, with more experienced mechanics earning higher salaries; however, entry-level mechanics can still expect to earn a competitive salary of approximately $43,000 per year.