← Certificate III qualifications
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
AUR - Automotive Retail, Service and Repair
Apprenticeship outcome for car and light-vehicle mechanics. Includes diagnostics, service and repair of petrol, diesel and hybrid systems.
Entry requirements
- Signed apprenticeship contract
What you will learn
The AUR30620 covers service, diagnosis and repair of light vehicles up to 4.5 tonnes. Core units include engine mechanical repair, transmission servicing, brake system overhaul, steering and suspension work, electrical system fault diagnosis, air-conditioning service (with separate ARCtick endorsement), and emissions testing. You learn to use OBD-II scan tools, multimeters and pressure testers to diagnose modern vehicle faults. Many RTOs now offer electives in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles. Across the four-year apprenticeship you build the diagnostic logic and hand speed that distinguishes a trained mechanic from a parts swapper.
Skills you build
- Reading workshop manuals and wiring diagrams
- Engine mechanical disassembly and reassembly
- Transmission servicing and clutch replacement
- Brake system overhaul and bleeding
- OBD-II diagnostic scanning and code interpretation
- Steering, suspension and wheel alignment
- Air-conditioning service (with ARCtick licence)
How the course runs
Most apprentices attend TAFE one day per week or in one-week blocks each term. Total formal TAFE contact is around 600 hours over the four years. Theory and practical split runs roughly 40/60 in the workshop. Day-to-day on-job work in a service workshop is fast-paced and customer-facing, with log books capturing each service or repair you complete.
How you will be assessed
- Practical demonstrations in TAFE workshops
- Written knowledge tests per unit of competency
- Diagnostic problem-solving tasks under workshop conditions
- Third-party reports from your supervising technician
- On-job log book of services and repairs
Workplace and placement
The apprenticeship is a four-year paid workplace contract under the Australian Apprenticeships framework. You sign a Training Contract with a dealership, independent workshop or fleet maintenance team. Apprentice wages are set under the Vehicle Repair, Services and Retail Award and rise each year. Most dealerships invest in factory training for manufacturer-specific systems.
Typical employers
- Franchise dealership workshops (Toyota, Ford, Holden, Hyundai)
- Independent service and repair workshops
- Fleet maintenance teams (Linfox, Cleanaway, NSW Health)
- Roadside assistance providers (NRMA, RACV, RACQ)
- Mining and resources light vehicle fleets
- Heavy vehicle and bus workshops with light vehicle work
Pay after this qualification
$60,000 - $85,000 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 enjoy diagnostic problem-solving
- You can read technical service bulletins
- You can handle long days on your feet
- You can deal with customers politely about cost and findings
- You can keep up with rapid changes in vehicle technology
It is probably not for you if
- You cannot commit to four years of apprentice pay
- You have a back or shoulder condition
- You react badly to oils, fuels and brake dust
- You do not enjoy reading and self-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 Automotive Electrical Technology (AUR40516) for auto-electrician work. Specialist endorsements include hybrid and EV high-voltage handling (AURETH101) and the LPG installer endorsement. Diploma of Automotive Technology (AUR50216) opens dealership service manager pathways.