Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship

A Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship will prepare you for repairing and maintaining the engines and components of large vehicles and engines.

Depending on practical experience and qualifications, heavy vehicle mechanics will specialise in particular vehicles and/or stationary engines – anything from mobile cranes, drilling rigs, trucks and bulldozers to specialised agricultural or mining machinery.

With a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship you are qualified to undertake a number of diagnostic processes associated with the vehicles and/or engines.

You could find yourself working for the government maintaining bus and transport fleets, working for a national Road Transport company managing their road worthy assessments, or subcontracting to mining or construction companies repairing and maintaining generators, pumps, compressors and drilling rigs.

To gain exposure and competency as a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic Apprentice, your training will take 3-4 years. During this time you will undertake paid, hands-on work with a Host Company and complete a nationally accredited qualification such as:

• AUR31120 Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
• AUR31820 Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Trailer Technology
• AUM30218 Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations – Bus, Truck and Trailer

If you are more interested in car engines, consider a Light Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship.

A Heavy Vehicle Mechanic specialises in maintaining, repairing, and overhauling heavy vehicles and industrial equipment. This includes a wide range of machinery such as trucks, buses, bulldozers, cranes, and other large vehicles used in transportation, construction, mining, and other industries.

Key responsibilities include:

Maintenance and repair: Conducting regular maintenance checks, diagnosing mechanical problems, and performing repairs, with tasks like changing oil, checking batteries, repairing engines, and fixing brake systems.

Inspection and testing: Carrying out detailed inspections to ensure that heavy vehicles meet safety and efficiency standards using diagnostic equipment to identify issues and testing systems to verify repairs.

Overhauling and rebuilding: In some cases, heavy vehicle mechanics may need to completely overhaul or rebuild engines and other major components that are beyond simple repairs.

Heavy vehicle mechanics are crucial for the maintenance of essential vehicles and equipment that support many sectors of the economy.

In Australia you can expect to earn between $85,000 and $105,000 as a qualified heavy vehicle mechanic. (Seek) Salaries for heavy vehicle specialisations, such as diesel fitting, or in certain industries like mining and resources can be significantly higher.

The wages for a heavy vehicle mechanic apprentice typically fall under the Vehicle Award, and will vary depending on Award inclusions, relevant support payments, and employer-specific benefits. Some employers may pay above Award wages or under an EBA.

Indicative wages for a heavy vehicle mechanic apprentice in 2024:

• Aged under 17 years: $497.50 to $875.60 per week

• Aged 17 to 20 years: $547.25 to $875.60 per week

• Aged over 21 years: $796.00 to $914.90 per week

A heavy vehicle mechanic apprenticeship requires a love of engines and the desire to work to the highest quality standards. 

If you’re considering a heavy vehicle mechanic apprenticeship, you’ll need to possess a few personal attributes to succeed:

• Enjoy practical and manual work
• Mechanical aptitude
• Good math skills
• No skin allergies (grease, oil or petrol)