Cert III AUR30620 Govt Funded

Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology

Light Vehicle Mechanic — Nationally Recognised Training

Duration 3–4 years (apprenticeship)
Delivery Workplace-based apprenticeship
Pathway Apprenticeship
Intake Rolling enrolments
Funded States SA · QLD

About this qualification

The Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology is the core motor mechanic trade qualification recognised across Australia. It covers the full spectrum of mechanical diagnosis, servicing and repair on passenger cars, SUVs and light commercial vehicles. Delivered entirely in the workplace — no trade school blocks required.

Demand for qualified light vehicle mechanics is strong across Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales. Independent workshops and dealerships consistently report difficulty filling trade-qualified mechanic roles.

How it's delivered

All training and assessment takes place at your employer's workshop. A dedicated Mechanist assessor visits regularly to conduct structured assessments aligned to real work tasks. No classroom, no TAFE blocks — fully integrated into your working life.

What you'll learn

  • Diagnose and repair engine faults using scan tools and diagnostics
  • Service petrol and diesel fuel systems
  • Repair brakes, steering and suspension systems
  • Service automatic and manual transmissions
  • Service and repair air-conditioning systems
  • Perform wheel alignments and tyre services
  • Read and interpret technical documentation and wiring diagrams

Career outcomes

Motor Mechanic
Light Vehicle Technician
Diagnostic Technician
Dealership Technician
Workshop Foreman (with experience)

Earnings potential

Qualified motor mechanics earn $70,000–$105,000 per year. Experienced technicians, diagnostic specialists and workshop foremen earn at the higher end. Dealership-employed technicians often receive manufacturer bonuses and loadings on top of base pay.

Entry requirements

No formal entry requirements. You must be employed (or able to secure employment) as an apprentice at an automotive workshop or dealership. Mechanist can help connect you with employers — contact our team.

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$1,800
QLD$2,160

Fee for Service: $13,200

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

Units of Competency

Units listed below are from the current AUR30620 training package release. Elective units are selected to best match industry needs and employer requirements.

Core Units

AURASA102 Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace
AURAEA002 Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace
AURTTK102 Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace
AURTTB101 Inspect and service braking systems
AURTTA104 Carry out servicing operations
AURTTE104 Inspect and service engines
AURTTF101 Inspect and service petrol fuel systems
AURETR125 Test, charge and replace batteries and jump-start vehicles
AURETR112 Test and repair basic electrical circuits
AURLTB103 Diagnose and repair light vehicle hydraulic braking systems
AURLTD104 Diagnose and repair light vehicle steering systems
AURLTD105 Diagnose and repair light vehicle suspension systems
AURETR129 Diagnose and repair charging systems
AURETR130 Diagnose and repair starting systems
AURTTC103 Diagnose and repair cooling systems
AURETR131 Diagnose and repair ignition systems
AURETR123 Diagnose and repair spark ignition engine management systems
AURLTZ101 Diagnose and repair light vehicle emission control systems
AURLTE102 Diagnose and repair light vehicle engines
AURTTA118 Develop and carry out diagnostic test strategies

Elective Units (indicative selection)

AURTTK001 Use and maintain measuring equipment in an automotive workplace
AURTTQ103 Inspect and service drive shafts
AURTTX103 Inspect and service automatic transmissions
AURTTC001 Inspect and service cooling systems
AURTTQ001 Inspect and service final drive assemblies
AURTTX102 Inspect and service manual transmissions
AURTTA105 Select and use bearings, seals, gaskets, sealants and adhesives
AURAFA103 Communicate effectively in an automotive workplace
AURTTF102 Inspect and service diesel fuel injection systems
AURLTQ102 Diagnose and repair light vehicle drive shafts
AURLTX103 Diagnose and repair light vehicle clutch systems
AURTTF105 Diagnose and repair engine forced-induction systems
AURETR143 Diagnose and repair electronic body management 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 Light Vehicle Mechanical 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 funding is available in South Australia, Queensland and New South Wales. Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s may apply in Queensland. Contact us for a personalised funding 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