Central Regional TAFE
4 years
Become a heavy vehicle mechanic through this 4-year apprenticeship. Learn to diagnose and repair trucks, buses, and heavy machinery while earning a wage and gaining nationally recognised qualifications.
You must be employed as an apprentice or trainee to enrol. School leavers require AQF OLNA or NAPLAN 9 Band 8, or C grades in Year 10 English and Maths, or equivalent Certificate I or II. Non-school leavers should contact the institution for requirements. Basic reading, writing, and maths skills are essential. You should have strong mechanical aptitude, problem-solving abilities, physical fitness to handle larger components, and comfort learning complex systems like diesel engines and hydraulics.
The course covers 36 units of competence comprising 22 core and 14 elective units. Core topics include: environmental and sustainability practices in automotive workplaces, safe working practices, electrical circuits testing and repair, vehicle dynamic control systems, compression ignition engine management, battery testing and replacement, charging and starting systems, heavy vehicle air braking systems, steering systems, suspension systems, compression ignition engines, drive shafts, emission control systems, hydraulic systems, servicing operations, diagnostic test strategies, cooling systems, diesel fuel injection systems, engine forced-induction systems, tools and equipment maintenance, and final drive assemblies. Elective units include battery electric vehicle systems, automotive electrical systems, electronic braking systems, wheel alignment, manual transmissions, clutch systems, mechanical connections inspection, bearings and seals, air braking systems, measuring equipment use, automatic transmissions, welding, and metal arc welding.
Central Regional TAFE is a leading vocational education provider in Western Australia with extensive industry partnerships and real-world training facilities. The institution offers apprenticeship programs that combine practical workplace experience with structured off-the-job training, ensuring students develop genuine competency in their field. With campuses in Geraldton and Kalgoorlie, TAFE provides accessible training across regional Western Australia and benefits from strong connections with the heavy vehicle industry.
Upon completion, graduates can pursue careers as Heavy Duty Mechanics, Mine work mechanics, or Civil Mechanics. The qualification opens pathways to employment with transport companies, mining operations, construction firms, and heavy equipment maintenance providers. With nationally recognised credentials, graduates have opportunities for career progression into supervisory roles, specialisation in specific vehicle systems, or transition into related automotive fields. The skills are transferable across multiple heavy machinery sectors.
Course fee
Start date
You will be redirected to the training provider to enquire directly. Workinitiatives is not the course or training provider. We aggregate and list courses only.