← Certificate III qualifications
Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
AUR - Automotive Retail, Service and Repair
Apprenticeship outcome for truck and heavy-vehicle diesel mechanics. Strong demand in transport, mining and agriculture.
Entry requirements
- Signed apprenticeship contract
What you will learn
The AUR31120 covers service, diagnosis and repair of heavy commercial vehicles including trucks, buses, prime movers and heavy plant. Core units include diesel engine overhaul, manual and AMT (automated manual) transmissions, hydraulic and pneumatic brake systems, multiplex electrical systems, after-treatment systems (DPF, SCR/AdBlue) and steering and suspension work. You learn diagnostic procedures on manufacturer-specific platforms (Cummins INSITE, Detroit Diesel Diagnostic Link, Volvo Tech Tool), reading hydraulic and electrical schematics, and working safely under heavy vehicles with hoists and jack stands.
Skills you build
- Reading heavy-vehicle wiring and hydraulic schematics
- Diesel engine top-end and bottom-end overhaul
- Hydraulic and air brake system diagnosis
- After-treatment (DPF, SCR, AdBlue) maintenance
- Manual and AMT transmission service
- Manufacturer diagnostic platform use
- Safe handling of heavy components with cranes and jacks
How the course runs
Most apprentices attend TAFE in one to two week blocks each term, with the rest of the time on-job in a heavy vehicle workshop. Total formal TAFE contact is around 600 hours over the four years, with theory and practical split roughly 40/60. Diesel workshops often run shift work and weekend coverage, particularly in mining and transport.
How you will be assessed
- Practical demonstrations in TAFE diesel workshops
- Diagnostic problem-solving tasks
- Written knowledge tests per unit of competency
- Third-party reports from your supervising technician
- On-job repair and service log book entries
Workplace and placement
The apprenticeship is a four-year paid workplace contract under the Australian Apprenticeships framework. You sign a Training Contract with a truck dealership, transport fleet maintenance team, mining workshop or agricultural equipment dealer. Apprentice wages are set under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award and rise each year. Mining apprenticeships often pay well above award with site allowances, FIFO travel and accommodation.
Typical employers
- Truck dealerships (Kenworth, Volvo, Scania, Hino, Iveco)
- Transport fleet workshops (Linfox, Toll, Followmont, Cleanaway)
- Mining maintenance contractors in the Pilbara and Bowen Basin
- Agricultural equipment dealers (John Deere, Case IH, AGCO)
- Bus and coach operators
- Government fleet workshops (defence, public works)
Pay after this qualification
$75,000 - $130,000 per year
Source: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/explore-careers/occupation/motor-mechanics. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
Is this the right course for you?
You probably thrive here if
- You can handle very heavy components and long days
- You enjoy diagnostic problem-solving
- You can read complex schematics
- You are open to shift work and FIFO rosters
- You can handle workshop dirt, diesel and grease
It is probably not for you if
- You cannot commit to four years of apprentice pay
- You have a back, shoulder or knee condition
- You react badly to diesel fumes or grease
- You struggle with self-directed reading and study
After you finish
After completing the apprenticeship you can pursue Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis (AUR40216) for diagnostic specialist roles, or Certificate IV in Mobile Plant Technology (AUR40720) for mining and earthmoving equipment. The Diploma of Automotive Technology (AUR50216) opens service manager pathways. Many heavy diesel mechanics move into mine site supervision, technical training or auto-electrical cross-skilling with strong premium-pay outcomes.