The Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology prepares you for a rewarding career in the Australian automotive retail, service, and repair industry. Tailored for individuals looking to start or advance their careers, this program provides the essential skills and knowledge required to excel in the field of light vehicle mechanics.

This course focuses on diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining mechanical components in light vehicles, including engines, transmissions, and suspension systems. You will also gain expertise in working with modern diagnostic tools and equipment to troubleshoot complex vehicle systems.

With practical, hands-on training at the core of the program, this course ensures you are job-ready with real-world skills that set you apart in the competitive automotive industry. Upon completion, you will have the opportunity to advance to higher qualifications, such as the Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis or the Diploma of Automotive Technology, opening doors to further specialisation and career progression.

This course equips you with practical skills and knowledge to excel in light vehicle mechanics. Key outcomes include:

• Diagnosing and repairing engines, transmissions, and suspension systems.
• Servicing and troubleshooting ignition and engine management systems.
• Conducting battery testing, charging, and replacements.
• Using diagnostic tools to identify and resolve mechanical issues.
• Developing expertise in servicing and repairing light vehicle systems to industry standards.

Sample course units:

• AURAEA002 Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace
• AURTTK001 Use and maintain measuring equipment in an automotive workplace
• AURTTK102 Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace
• AURETR132 Diagnose and repair automotive electrical systems
• AURETR112 Test and repair basic electrical circuits
• AURASA102 Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace
• AURTTA104 Carry out servicing operations
• AURTTA017 Carry out vehicle safety inspections
• AURLTB103 Diagnose and repair light vehicle hydraulic braking systems

This course opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in the automotive industry. This qualification equips you with the technical expertise and practical skills needed for a variety of specialised roles, such as:

• Light Vehicle Mechanic
• Automotive Diagnostic Technician
• Service Technician
• Workshop Technician

• Be at least 16 years old
• Hold a current Approved visa for study in Australia (at the time of course commencement)
• Demonstrate satisfactory completion of studies in applicant’s home country equivalent to an Australian Year 10 qualification* (Department of Home Affairs may require country-specific higher education requirement for approved visa for study in Australia application assessment).
• Provide evidence of any one of the following tests of upper intermediate proficiency in English language:

  • IELTS Test:

    • Overall band score 6.0; or;
    • Overall band score 5.5 if packaged with at least 12 weeks ELICOS; or
    • Overall band score of 5.0 if packaged with at least 24 weeks ELICOS.

  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test:

    • 169; or
    • 162, if packaged with at least 12 weeks ELICOS; or
    • 154, if packaged with at least 24 weeks ELICOS.

  • PTE:

    • 50; or
    • 42, if packaged with at least 12 weeks ELICOS; or
    • 36, if packaged with at least 24 weeks ELICOS.

  • OET:

    • A score of at least B for each test component of the OET.

Exemptions:

You do not need to provide evidence of an English test score with your visa application if one of the following applies:

• You are a citizen and hold a passport from the UK, USA, Canada, NZ, or Republic of Ireland
• You are an applicant who is a Foreign Affairs or, Defence sponsored student or a Secondary Exchange student (AASES)
• You are enrolled in a principal course of study that is a registered school course, a standalone English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS), a course registered to be delivered in a language other than English, or a registered post-graduate research course
• You have completed at least 5 years study in English in one or more of the following countries: Australia, UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, or the Republic of Ireland
• In the 2 years before applying for the approved visa for study in Australia, you completed, in Australia and in the English language, either the Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or a substantial component of a course leading to a qualification from the Australian Qualifications Framework at the Certificate IV or higher level, while you held a approved visa for study in Australia.

Note: You may be required to provide evidence of an English test score with your visa application if you hold a British National Overseas (BNO) passport.

Download our Course Info pack for the latest fees and schedules, and contact our Education Advisors for specials that may be applicable for your country.

*South Sydney College (SSC) does not offer VET student loans or other government-funded financial support.

20 hours/week (15 hours via face to face, 5 hours via e-learning portal)