South Metropolitan TAFE
1 Semester
Prepare for a rewarding career as a diesel motor mechanic with this pre-apprenticeship program. Gain practical skills working on heavy vehicles and equipment, learning transmission servicing, brake systems, fuel injection, and workplace safety to become job-ready for apprenticeships in heavy vehicle or plant mechanics.
Applicants must be school leavers with Year 9 achievement and NAPLAN cut point scores for Literacy and Numeracy (or OLNA category 3 or 3*), or non-school leavers with C grades in Year 10 English and Maths or equivalent Certificate I or II. No prior automotive experience is required. Students should be physically capable of working in a workshop environment and comfortable with hands-on mechanical work.
Core units include following environmental and sustainability practices in automotive workplaces, safe working practices, identifying basic automotive faults using troubleshooting processes, and inspecting and servicing batteries. Students learn to carry out servicing operations, inspect and service braking systems, cooling systems, steering systems, suspension systems, and engines. Additional training covers using and maintaining tools and equipment, inspecting final drive assemblies and drive shafts. Elective units include testing and repairing electrical circuits, diagnosing heavy vehicle drive shafts, inspecting hydraulic systems, and servicing diesel fuel injection systems. All students complete 150 hours of mandatory work placement arranged by SM TAFE within industry.
South Metropolitan TAFE is a leading vocational education provider in Western Australia with specialist training facilities and strong industry connections. The college offers hands-on training with real heavy vehicles and equipment, arranges work placements directly with employers, and provides comprehensive student support services. With multiple campuses and experienced instructors, SM TAFE ensures students gain practical, job-ready skills that employers actively seek.
Graduates are well-positioned for apprenticeships and careers as Diesel Motor Mechanics in the heavy vehicle servicing industry. The pre-apprenticeship qualification provides a pathway to further study in Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology or Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology. Career opportunities extend to roles in fleet maintenance, mining operations, construction equipment servicing, and transport companies requiring skilled heavy vehicle technicians.
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