Certificate III in Mobile Plant Mechanical Technology (Apprenticeship)

If you enjoy problem-solving, working with heavy machinery, and diagnosing complex mechanical systems, the Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology is an excellent pathway to a rewarding and high-demand career in the heavy equipment and mobile plant service industries.
Delivered as an apprenticeship, this course combines real-world, hands-on experience in the workplace with structured training at TAFE Gippsland. You’ll develop the technical expertise required to diagnose, repair, and maintain mobile plant equipment such as excavators, bulldozers, graders, loaders, and haul trucks, while gaining a strong understanding of safety, hydraulics, electronics, and emerging technologies in the sector.
Your training will prepare you to work across a variety of industries, including construction, mining, and agriculture, where reliable, skilled mechanics are essential. With the increasing use of advanced mobile plant machinery across Australia, this qualification provides outstanding job security and opportunities for long-term career progression.

If you’re passionate about working on large mobile plant and earthmoving machinery, the Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology provides a direct pathway to a rewarding career in the civil, mining and heavy equipment service industries.
Delivered as an apprenticeship, this course combines hands-on workplace learning with structured training at TAFE Gippsland. You’ll develop the essential skills to diagnose, service and repair a wide range of mobile plant equipment, including loaders, excavators, graders, bulldozers and haul trucks used across construction, earthmoving, forestry and mining operations.
From your second year onwards, your training will be delivered from our Yallourn or Bairnsdale Trade Centres for the remainder of your apprenticeship. These specialist facilities provide access to industry-standard equipment, diagnostic technology and experienced trainers, supporting the development of practical skills relevant to modern mobile plant.
By the time you finish your apprenticeship, you’ll have the practical skills and technical knowledge required to diagnose faults, perform mechanical repairs and maintain hydraulic, electrical and powertrain systems across a range of mobile plant equipment.

Completing this apprenticeship prepares you for employment in roles such as:
• Mobile Plant Technician
• Heavy Equipment Service Technician
• Earthmoving Equipment Maintenance Technician
• Field Service or Workshop Technician
Employment opportunities may exist across:
• Civil construction and earthmoving
• Mining and quarrying
• Equipment hire and service companies
• Heavy machinery dealerships and contractors

Graduates may progress to further automotive or related training, including:
• AUR40224 Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis – for advanced diagnostic and fault-finding skills.
• AUR40124 Certificate IV in Automotive Management – for progression into supervisory or management roles.
• MEM40119 Certificate IV in Engineering – for further development of engineering and technical skills.
• AUR20220 Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology – for specialist automotive air conditioning skills.
• Specialist skill sets or short courses in areas such as advanced diagnostics, hydraulic systems and emerging vehicle technologies.

By completing this qualification, you will develop the skills and knowledge needed to work as a mobile plant technician, including:
• Diagnosis and repair of engines, powertrains, steering, braking and hydraulic systems.
• Service and maintenance of mobile plant equipment to manufacturer specifications.
• Diagnosis and repair of electrical and electronic systems.
• Use of specialised tools, testing and diagnostic equipment for fault finding and repair.
• Safe work practices in workshop and field service environments.
• Problem-solving and planning skills for complex servicing, diagnostic and repair tasks.
• Interpretation of service information, schematics and electronic diagnostic data.

Are there specified requirements for entry into the course/qualification?: Yes

Mandatory entry requirements:

Learners must be registered as Australian apprentices under an approved training contract.

Recommended entry Requirements:

There are no mandatory prerequisites.
However, learners who have completed AUR20720 Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation, or have previous experience in an automotive, mechanical or heavy equipment environment, may benefit from existing knowledge of:
• Basic mechanical systems and component function.
• Safe workshop practices and use of tools and equipment.
• Workplace practices and basic mechanical principles.
While not essential, this prior experience can support student progression throughout the course.

Limitations to course Entry:

If aged 15 to 17, learners require a school release form from their secondary school.

Not applicable.

Will this course/qualification or a constituent unit provide a pathway to an industry licence or regulated outcome: No