Mobile Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship

Mobile plant mechanics maintain, diagnose and repair large-scale mobile and stationary plant equipment, both on site and in workshop environments. The role spans a wide range of machinery, from earthmoving equipment and haul trucks to renewable energy infrastructure and gas processing plants.

Day-to-day work can include:

• Diagnosing and repairing hydraulic control systems
• Servicing heavy vehicle air braking systems
• Working on mobile plant suspension systems
• Inspecting, testing and servicing manual and automatic transmissions, including powershift and variable transmissions
• Diagnosing and repairing mobile plant hydraulic systems
• Removing and installing heavy vehicle engine assemblies
• Retrofitting and modifying air conditioning and HVAC systems on plant equipment
• Conducting condition monitoring and preventative maintenance
• Servicing diesel fuel, cooling and exhaust systems
• Using and maintaining tools and diagnostic equipment in a workshop environment

Mobile plant mechanic apprentices can train across diverse industries, including mining, renewable energy, landfill gas power generation, wind and solar power, remote energy, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG). The breadth of equipment and industries makes it one of the most versatile trades in the automotive sector.

The role overlaps with diesel fitting, but mobile plant mechanics work across a wider range of mechanical systems, while diesel fitters specialise more deeply in diesel engines and fuel systems.

A qualified mobile plant mechanic in Australia in 2026 typically earns between $120,000 and $140,000 per year, with experienced tradespeople in mining, resources and renewable energy often earning more, particularly in FIFO and remote roles. (Seek)

As a Mobile Plant Mechanic Apprentice, you'll typically be paid under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award or an EBA provided by your employer. Apprentice wages step up each year of your apprenticeship. Your weekly pay depends on whether you've completed Year 12, whether you're an adult apprentice, any EBA terms, employer or host benefits, and any government support you're eligible for. 

Mining and resources host employers often pay above Award rates under enterprise agreements.

Indicative weekly Award wages for a mobile plant mechanic apprentice as at 1 July 2025, ranging from 1st year (lowest) to 4th year (highest):

• Junior apprentice, did not complete Year 12: $534.20 to $940.19 per week
• Junior apprentice, completed Year 12: $587.62 to $940.19 per week
• Adult apprentice (21 years and over): $854.72 to $982.40 per week

(Source: Fair Work Ombudsman Pay Guide MA000089) Rates reflect minimum Award wages. Allowances such as tool allowance and industry allowance may apply on top of these rates depending on classification and circumstances.

Find an Automotive Apprenticeship

A mobile plant mechanic qualification opens doors across some of Australia's most diverse and fastest-growing industries:

• Mining, resources and FIFO contracting
• Renewable energy (wind, solar, battery storage)
• Landfill gas and remote energy generation
• Liquefied natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG)
• Construction and earthmoving equipment
• Heavy mobile equipment (HME) on mine sites
• Agricultural machinery
• Hydraulic systems specialisation
• Field service technician roles
• Site supervision, project management and contracting

Few trades give you access to as many emerging industries as mobile plant mechanics. The same qualification can take you from a traditional mine site to a wind farm to a remote gas processing facility.