Cert III AUR32526 Govt Funded

Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology

Underbody Technician — Nationally Recognised Training

Duration 2–3 years (apprenticeship)
Delivery Workplace-based apprenticeship
Pathway Apprenticeship
Intake Rolling enrolments
Funded States SA · QLD · NSW

About this qualification

The Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology is the trade-level qualification for underbody technicians working in exhaust, brake and suspension service. It covers the full range of underbody mechanical work across passenger, light commercial and 4WD vehicles — delivered entirely in the workplace. Mechanist has strong employer relationships with national underbody and quick-fit groups including Midas, Ultra Tune, and independent specialists.

Quick-fit and underbody service chains actively seek trade-qualified technicians for career progression and team leadership roles. Trade qualification is increasingly the standard for senior positions in this sector.

How it's delivered

All training and assessment is conducted in your workshop. A dedicated Mechanist assessor visits regularly to observe, assess and document competency against real work tasks. No classroom or trade school blocks required — fully integrated into your working schedule. Mechanist works with exhaust and brake specialists, quick-fit centres and independent workshops across SA, QLD and NSW.

What you'll learn

  • Diagnose and repair brake systems (hydraulic, disc, drum, parking)
  • Fit, repair and replace exhaust systems including performance and custom
  • Service and repair suspension components to trade standard
  • Inspect and report on steering and underbody systems
  • Apply safe lifting, jack and hoist procedures
  • Use specialised underbody tooling and diagnostic equipment

Career outcomes

Underbody Technician
Exhaust and Brakes Specialist
Quick-Fit Trade Technician
Workshop Technician (Underbody)

Earnings potential

Qualified underbody technicians typically earn $65,000–$90,000 per year. Senior technicians at national quick-fit chains and independent specialists earn more, particularly in management or senior technical roles.

Entry requirements

No formal entry requirements. You must be employed (or able to secure employment) as an apprentice at an underbody service centre, quick-fit shop or exhaust and brakes specialist.

Funding options

  • Career Start — Apprenticeship Pathway (QLD)
  • Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s (QLD — eligible apprentices)
  • Skills SA Subsidised Training — SA
  • Smart and Skilled EAT — NSW

Contact us for a personalised eligibility check.

Student fees

Government-subsidised fees (student contribution only):

SA$1,600
QLD$1,600
NSWFee-free (eligible trainees/apprentices)

Fee for Service: $9,000

Fees may vary. Contact us to confirm your eligibility and exact fee.

Units of Competency

Units listed below are from the current AUR32526 training package release. Elective units are selected to best match industry needs and employer requirements.

Core Units

AURASA002 Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace
AURAEA002 Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace
AURTTK002 Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace
AURLTJ011 Select light vehicle tyres and wheels for specific applications
AURLTJ013 Remove, inspect and refit light vehicle wheel and tyre assemblies
AURLTJ002 Remove, inspect, repair and refit light vehicle tyres and tubes
AURTTJ011 Balance wheels and tyres
AURETR025 Test, charge and replace batteries and jump-start vehicles
AURTTA018 Carry out diagnostic procedures
AURLTD004 Diagnose and repair light vehicle steering systems
AURLTB003 Diagnose and repair light vehicle hydraulic braking systems
AURLTD005 Diagnose and repair light vehicle suspension systems
AURLTQ012 Diagnose and repair light vehicle drive shafts

Elective Units (indicative selection)

AURAFA003 Communicate effectively in an automotive workplace
AURAMA001 Work effectively with others in an automotive workplace
AURLTD006 Carry out light vehicle wheel alignment operations
AURSCA101 Select and supply automotive parts and products
AURTTA004 Carry out servicing operations
AURTTB001 Inspect and service braking systems
AURTTD002 Inspect and service steering systems
AURTTD004 Inspect and service suspension systems
AURTTQ003 Inspect and service drive shafts
AURTTX103 Inspect and service automatic transmissions
AURTTX102 Inspect and service manual transmissions
AURTTC001 Inspect and service cooling systems
AURETR012 Test and repair basic electrical circuits
AURLTX013 Diagnose and repair light vehicle clutch systems
AURTTZ002 Diagnose and repair exhaust systems

Unit selection is confirmed in your Training Plan at enrolment. Elective choices may vary based on your employer, workplace and career pathway. All units are delivered and assessed in your workplace.

Government Funded Training

Certificate III in Automotive Underbody Technology is available as government-subsidised training in the following states. Eligibility conditions apply — contact our team for a personalised funding assessment before you enrol.

Government-subsidised apprenticeship training is available in South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales for eligible apprentices. Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s may apply in Queensland. Contact us for a funding eligibility assessment.

Important: Funding eligibility depends on your residency, citizenship, prior qualifications, age and current training contract status. Do not assume you are eligible without confirming with our team. Government funding rules change — always verify current conditions before commencing.

Employers — we do the heavy lifting

Mechanist manages the entire training and assessment process. We visit your site, assess in real work conditions, handle all compliance paperwork and keep you informed at every step. You focus on running your workshop — we focus on the qualification.

We customise your apprentice's Training Plan with you in person — not a generic template
Theory and practical assessment is delivered at your workplace, not a TAFE campus
We coach you on supervision ratios, workplace requirements and compliance obligations
Dedicated trainer/assessor assigned to your apprentice — direct contact, no call centres
Funding eligibility checks, paperwork and claiming — we handle it for you
Performance management support available if issues arise with your apprentice

Ready to take on a trainee or apprentice?

Talk to our team about how we can support your training needs.

Enquire Now Call 1300 304 867