South Metropolitan TAFE
1 Semester
Ignite your career in vehicle body building with this pre-apprenticeship program that combines classroom learning with 150 hours of industry work placement. Gain practical skills in automotive tools, welding, component assembly, and workplace safety to become job-ready for apprentice vehicle body builder positions.
Applicants should have achieved Year 9 or equivalent qualifications, or demonstrated competency through NAPLAN cut point scores for Literacy and Numeracy, OLNA category 3 or 3*, C Grades in Year 10 English and Maths, or completion of Certificate I or Certificate II. Students must be prepared to attend classes approximately 3 days per week and complete approximately 4 hours of additional study weekly. Safety requirements include wearing safety glasses, steel-capped boots, and suitable work clothing or overalls to all classes.
The course covers core competencies including working effectively in teams, applying safe work practices in automotive manufacturing environments, preparing and operating tools, equipment and machinery, reading and interpreting work orders and working drawings, and assembling vehicle components. Elective units allow students to specialize in areas such as monitoring and maintaining automotive equipment, preparing and processing automotive materials and components, installing mechanical units and assemblies, environmental and sustainability practices, welding techniques (oxyacetylene, gas metal arc), soldering electrical wiring and circuits, and repairing vehicle plastic components. A mandatory 150-hour work placement module is integrated throughout the program.
South Metropolitan TAFE is a recognized vocational education provider in Western Australia with extensive industry connections and specialized training facilities. The college arranges suitable work placements within the automotive industry, ensuring students gain real-world experience. With multiple campuses and dedicated support services, SM TAFE provides comprehensive pre-apprenticeship pathways that prepare students for successful employment in the automotive manufacturing sector.
Upon completion, graduates are prepared to pursue apprenticeships as vehicle body builders and trimmers in the automotive manufacturing industry. The program provides a direct pathway to further study in Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations. Career opportunities include positions with automotive manufacturers, vehicle body building workshops, and commercial vehicle production facilities, with potential progression to supervisory and technical roles in the automotive sector.
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