Do you dream about cars? Are you a vintage vehicle enthusiast? Perhaps you’ve tried tinkering under the bonnet? Would you be excited to work with cars?

If you said yes to any of the above, why not consider an exciting career as a mechanic?  If there’s anything that our society is obsessed with, it’s cars! This means there will always be work available and, in turn, good job security.

In this article, we will run you through everything you need to know about how to become a mechanic in Australia. We will explain what a mechanic is, including what a mechanic does. We’ll also detail the different types of valuable mechanic skills that will come in handy when pursuing a role in this field. To become qualified, you’ll need the right mechanic qualifications. You’ll have to complete an automotive TAFE course and participate in a hands-on mechanic apprenticeship. We’ll walk you through how to do just that.

Finally, how much do mechanics make? We’ll discuss the fruits of your labour: the mechanic salary. You’ll be surprised to learn about mechanic apprentice wages, too. It’s an excellent and diverse field that hosts a variety of career paths. So read on to learn more about how to become a mechanic.

mechanic working on car

What is a mechanic?

A mechanic is a person who repairs and maintains machines. This could include cars, planes, boats, and more. A mechanic has to be able to identify problems with the machines they are working on and then fix those issues. Being a mechanic requires both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

To understand how machines work, mechanics must study subjects like physics and engineering. They also need to know about the specific machine they will be working on, such as its parts and how they work. It is not enough for a mechanic to just know about these things; they also need to be able to put that knowledge into practice. This means properly using tools and equipment to fix the issue. There are many different types of mechanics, each specialising in repairing different kinds of machinery. There are automobile mechanics, aircraft mechanics, diesel mechanics, motorcycle mechanics, heavy commercial vehicle mechanics and more. Most mechanics typically work in repair shops with access to all the tools and equipment necessary for their job.

There is a range of light to heavy vehicles out there, so naturally, there will be a type of mechanic qualified to perform work on each. An auto mechanic is someone who works on cars. Then there are heavy vehicle mechanics who will work on vehicles such as trucks and buses. Mechanics may do anything from simple maintenance to more complex repairs on these vehicles. Some mechanics specialise in a certain area, such as transmissions or engines. Others may work on all aspects of the car or truck.

Mechanics are important because they help us to understand and predict the behaviour of physical systems. By understanding how a system behaves, we can control it or design it to work more effectively. Auto mechanics are particularly important because they keep our cars running properly and safely. Without them, we would be stuck with broken-down vehicles or ones that don't function correctly.

What does a mechanic do?

The daily life of a mechanic can vary depending on the type of mechanic you are and where you work. That said, some of the general tasks and duties of a mechanic are:

  • Inspecting vehicles to diagnose mechanical problems
  • Using diagnostic equipment to identify the source of the problem
  • Repairing or replacing parts as necessary
  • Performing regular maintenance such as oil changes, tune-ups, and tire rotations
  • Providing estimates for repairs and maintenance services
  • Keeping records of all work performed on each vehicle
  • Maintaining a clean and organised work area.

Being a mechanic in Australia can be a very rewarding career with many opportunities for growth and advancement. The quality of life for a mechanic is quite good. They make a decent salary and have good benefits. They also get to work with their hands and be around vehicles all day.

Valuable mechanic skills

To become a successful mechanic, some specific personal and technical skills will work to your advantage. If you possess the following personal skills, this could be the right career for you:

As such, the technical skills required to become a mechanic are equally, if not more, important. You will learn most of these skills via formal education in a TAFE program. These technical skills include:

  • The ability to use tools to fix things
  • Working knowledge of how machines operate
  • An understanding of physics and engineering principles
  • Skilled at diagnosing problems.

Mechanic qualifications

All types of mechanics will need to have completed some sort of formal training, whether it be at a trade school or through an apprenticeship program. TAFE Gippsland offers many mechanic courses. Whether you'd like to work with cars or heavy commercial vehicles, there’s a course for you.

Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation: The Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation is a great way to learn the basics of working in the automotive industry. You will learn skills such as performing technical tasks on cars, heavy vehicles, outdoor power equipment, and more. Upon completing the course, you will be able to work in various entry-level positions in the automotive industry.

Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology: This course is perfect for anyone already working in or looking to work in the automotive industry and interested in a career in vehicle servicing. During the course, you will learn how to service automotive vehicles, including brakes, engines, steering systems, transmissions, suspensions, and electrical components. Upon successfully completing this course, you will be qualified for various servicing positions in both workshops and dealerships.

Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology: If you’re ready to take your love for cars to the next level, the Certificate III is for you. In this course, you’ll learn how to diagnose, service and repair the electrical system in various vehicles. Once qualified, you’ll be able to apply for roles such as an automotive electrical technician in a workshop and/or dealership.

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology: This course is perfect for those who want to work in the light vehicle industry or are already employed but wish to improve their skills. You will learn all about light vehicle mechanics and have plenty of opportunities to get hands-on experience. This course covers inspecting and servicing engines, transmissions, suspensions, steering, brakes and electrical components. Upon completing the course, you will be qualified to work as a technician in automotive light vehicle workshops or dealerships. There are also options available if you wish to study further and take on higher-level roles within the automotive industry.

Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology: This course is for those wanting to learn how to repair and service engines, transmissions, cooling, steering, electrical circuits, air and hydraulic brakes, and diesel fuel injection systems on various trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles. Upon completing the Certificate III, you’ll be able to apply for roles in automotive, heavy commercial vehicle workshops or fleet workshops.

To find out more about all the courses on offer, you can browse through the mechanic courses available at TAFE Gippsland.

Mechanic talking to customer

Mechanic apprenticeship

As you have seen above, many of the mechanic courses at TAFE Gippsland are apprenticeships. The advantages of seeking out an apprenticeship are vast. Some of the benefits of choosing this learning method include:

  • Allowing you to learn while you earn—apprentices are paid a salary for their work, so they can support themselves and their families while learning new skills.
  • Learning in a hands-on way rather than just through theory—apprentices get real-life experience which helps them understand what they are doing and how it fits into the workplace as a whole.
  • Apprenticeships teach practical skills that you may not learn in traditional on-campus courses.

Finding a mechanic apprenticeship might sound like a daunting task. It doesn’t need to be. First and foremost, you should enquire with TAFE Gippsland’s Skills and Jobs Centre. They can answer any apprenticeship-related questions and help you locate an apprenticeship that will suit your goals as a mechanic.

Another way of securing a mechanic apprenticeship is to search online for options, utilising traditional job ad websites. Alternatively, you could speak to your local automotive association to see if they know of any opportunities. Check out this informative article for more in-depth information about apprenticeships and sourcing one that’s right for you.

Mechanic salary: how much do mechanics make?

Now that you’re aware of the steps involved with becoming a mechanic, it’s time to learn about the biggest perk of all, your future salary. The average salary for a mechanic in Australia is $75,167 per year. Post-apprenticeship positions start at $67,097 per year, and more experienced mechanics can make up to $104,051 per year. That’s nothing to laugh at! Besides your level of experience, mechanic salaries will also vary depending on which region you’re seeking employment.

Mechanic apprenticeship wage

The average salary for a qualified mechanic looks pretty good. But, you might wonder what you’ll bring in while completing your apprenticeship. You’re in luck. The average salary for a mechanic apprentice is $52,742 per year. Not bad for someone earning while learning. You will also have the opportunity for pay increases during an apprenticeship as your skills progress.

A career as a mechanic can be very rewarding. You get to work with your hands, be around vehicles all day, and make a decent salary. With all of the mechanic courses offered at TAFE Gippsland, you can choose what type of mechanic you’d like to become. With so many mechanic courses on offer, contact TAFE Gippsland today to explore which mechanic course could be right for you.