Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology (Apprenticeship)
| Intake Date | Campus | Attendance Days |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Bairnsdale Trade Centre | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:00am-4:00pm |
| Ongoing | Leongatha | Monday 8:00am-4:00pm |
| Ongoing | Port of Sale | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:00am-4:00pm |
| Ongoing | Warragul | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm |
| Ongoing | Yallourn | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm |
| Intake Date | Campus | Attendance Days |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Yallourn | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:00am-4:00pm |
| Intake Date | Campus | Attendance Days |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Bairnsdale | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:00am-4:00pm |
| Ongoing | Bairnsdale | Monday 9:00am-4:05pm, Tuesday, Wednesday 9:00am-4:00pm |
| Ongoing | Leongatha | Monday 8:00am-4:00pm |
| Ongoing | Port of Sale | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:00am-4:00pm |
| Ongoing | Warragul | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm |
| Ongoing | Warragul | Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm |
| Ongoing | Yallourn | Tuesday, Thursday 9:00am-4:00pm |
| Ongoing | Yallourn | Tuesday, Thursday 8:00am-4:00pm |
| Intake Date | Campus | Attendance Days |
|---|---|---|
| Ongoing | Yallourn | Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:00am-4:00pm |
About this course
If you’re passionate about working on agricultural machinery and equipment, the Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology offers a direct pathway to a rewarding career in the farming and primary industries sector.
Delivered as an apprenticeship, this course combines on-the-job learning with structured training at TAFE Gippsland. You’ll develop the essential skills to diagnose, service, and repair a wide range of agricultural machinery, including tractors, harvesters, and other farm equipment.
From your second year onwards, your training will be delivered from our Yallourn or Bairnsdale Trade Centres for the remainder of your apprenticeship. These purpose-built facilities are equipped with modern resources and advanced diagnostic technology, providing access to industry-standard tools, machinery, and equipment.
This shift centralises training into specialist locations within Gippsland, giving you access to experienced trainers and a broader network of peers while staying local. By training at these facilities, you’ll gain advanced, real-world experience that prepares you to confidently enter the workforce with the latest skills and techniques.
Upon completion, you’ll be equipped to work across a variety of industries, including agricultural equipment servicing, machinery dealerships, on-farm maintenance, and rural contracting services—with a skill set that is in demand across the region and beyond.
Career Opportunities
Completing this apprenticeship prepares you for employment in a range of industries and job roles, including:
• Agricultural Mechanical Technician
• Tractor and Harvester Service Technician
• Farm Machinery Maintenance Technician
• Workshop or Field Service Technician
Opportunities exist in diverse sectors such as:
• Agricultural equipment dealerships and service centres
• On-farm maintenance and rural contracting services
• Primary production and agribusiness operations
• Independent and franchise machinery repair workshops
Opportunities for Further Study
Graduates of this course have several options to further develop their skills and career opportunities:
• Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis (AUR40216) – for advanced diagnostic and technical expertise in agricultural and heavy machinery systems.
• Certificate IV in Automotive Management (AUR40620) – to progress into leadership or management roles within agricultural equipment service businesses.
• Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119) – to expand into areas such as welding supervision, inspection, and advanced fabrication techniques relevant to agricultural machinery.
• Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology (AUR20220) – to gain specialist skills in machinery air conditioning systems and apply for a Refrigerant Handling Licence through ARC (Australian Refrigeration Council).
• Specialist short courses and skill sets, such as advanced diagnostics, precision agriculture systems, or hydraulic and air conditioning servicing for agricultural equipment.
Skills or Knowledge gained
By completing this qualification, you will develop the skills and knowledge needed to confidently work as an agricultural mechanical technician, including:
• Diagnosis and repair of engines, drivetrains, steering, suspension, and hydraulic systems used in agricultural machinery.
• Service and maintenance of agricultural equipment such as tractors, harvesters, and implements to manufacturer specifications.
• Use of specialised tools and diagnostic equipment for accurate fault finding and mechanical repairs.
• Workplace health and safety compliance to ensure safe and effective workshop and field service practices.
• Problem-solving and planning skills to manage complex repairs and service tasks in rural and regional environments.
• Technical literacy, including interpreting schematics, service manuals, and digital diagnostic reports relevant to agricultural machinery.
Entry Requirements
Are there specified requirements for entry into the course/qualification?: Yes
Mandatory entry requirements:
Must be an Australian apprentice registered with the Australian Apprenticeship Commission.
Recommended entry Requirements:
There are no mandatory entry requirements for this qualification.
However, learners who have completed Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation (AUR20720), or have had prior exposure to automotive workshop practices, will have developed a strong foundation of skills and knowledge. This background can help learners transition smoothly into their apprenticeship by providing:
• Basic mechanical knowledge – understanding of common automotive systems and components.
• Workplace readiness skills – familiarity with safety procedures, workshop tools, and standard practices.
• Confidence and experience – supporting learners to engage with training from the start of their apprenticeship.
While not essential, this prior experience can improve student outcomes and progression throughout the course.
Limitations to course Entry:
If aged between 15 and 17 years of age will require a school release form from their school.
Minimum Industry Requirement
Not applicable.
Licensing/Regulatory Requirements
Will this course/qualification or a constituent unit provide a pathway to an industry licence or regulated outcome: No
Qualifications and Recognition - 2025
Upon successful completion of this course students will be eligible to receive the Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology.
Work Placement - 2025
Does this course require placement?: No
Placement to be arranged by: Student
Qualifications and Recognition - 2026
Upon successful completion of this course students will be eligible to receive the Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology.
Work Placement - 2026
Does this course require placement?: No
Placement to be arranged by: Student
Fees
| Fees and charges | Government subsidised concession | Government subsidised | Full-fee paying student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum full course tuition fee* (GST exempt) | $1,092.00 | $5,460.00 | $24,060.00 |
| Materials fee* (GST exempt) | $2,209.00 | $2,209.00 | $2,209.00 |
| Total | $3,301.00 | $7,669.00 | $26,269.00 |
VET Student Loans
Not Applicable for this course
Sample course units
Assessment
The assessment for each course varies. It may include knowledge questions, practical skills tasks, projects, research work, on the job assessment, etc. Your assessor or educator will provide specific information on the requirements for your course.
You can expect that:
- assessment methods are clear
- assessment tasks are relevant and meet the requirements of your course
- assessor or educator demonstrate fairness and lack of bias when assessing your work
- educators will provide open and honest feedback about assessment tasks.
Fees
| Fees and charges | Government subsidised concession | Government subsidised | Full-fee paying student |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum full course tuition fee* (GST exempt) | $1,140.00 | $5,700.00 | $24,300.00 |
| Materials fee* (GST exempt) | $2,504.00 | $2,504.00 | $2,504.00 |
| Total | $3,644.00 | $8,204.00 | $26,804.00 |
VET Student Loans
Not Applicable for this course
Sample course units
Assessment
The assessment for each course varies. It may include knowledge questions, practical skills tasks, projects, research work, on the job assessment, etc. Your assessor or educator will provide specific information on the requirements for your course.
You can expect that:
- assessment methods are clear
- assessment tasks are relevant and meet the requirements of your course
- assessor or educator demonstrate fairness and lack of bias when assessing your work
- educators will provide open and honest feedback about assessment tasks.
