Australia has a strong automotive industry with great opportunities for skilled technicians. If you're passionate about cars and are considering studying automotive in Australia, this is your ideal path.
The Value of Studying Automotive Courses in Australia
Australia's automotive industry is vital for several reasons:
- Efficient transport: A well-maintained vehicle fleet supports business operations and connects communities.
- Essential services: Automotive technicians ensure the smooth operation of emergency vehicles, delivery trucks, and public transport.
- Tourism support: Reliable vehicles are crucial for tours, rentals, and transportation in the tourism sector.
- Innovation drive: The industry leads in technological advancements like electric vehicles and autonomous driving systems.
Is There a Shortfall of Automotive Mechanics in Australia?
Yes, Australia is experiencing a skills shortage in the automotive industry, particularly for qualified mechanics. This shortage creates excellent job prospects and competitive salaries for skilled technicians.
Why Consider an Automotive Course?
Studying automotive engineering in Australia provides skills for a stable career in a high-demand industry. It ensures job security, promotes growth, and helps strengthen the local economy.
- Gain In-demand Skills: Learn to diagnose and repair various vehicles, from classic cars to modern hybrids.
- Hands-on Experience: Australian courses emphasise practical training in equipped workshops.
- Technological Advancement: Stay updated with training in the latest automotive technologies, including electric vehicles.
- Career Flexibility: Work in diverse settings like dealerships, repair shops, and motorsport teams.
- Potential for High Earnings: Experienced technicians can earn well with opportunities for specialisation
Course Package and Fees to Become an Automotive Technician / Motor Mechanic
The Automotive Program consists of three nationally recognised qualifications that must be completed over a three-year period of study.
- Certificate III in Light Vehicle Automotive Mechanical Technology
- Certificate IV in Automotive Mechanical Diagnosis
- Diploma in Automotive Technology
The qualifications that should be included in the package are listed below:
Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology: This qualification represents individuals who handle various tasks on light vehicles in the automotive retail, service, and repair industry.
- Duration: Typically 1 to 2 year
- Duration: 6 months
- Duration: 1 - 2 years
How Much Does it Cost to Study Automotive in Australia?
The cost of these three qualifications can differ based on the type of qualification, the training provider, and where you study in Australia. Studying in major cities usually costs more than in smaller cities or regional areas. As a rough estimate, these qualifications range from $24,000 to $35,000 for the whole package.
Studyaway offers an Automotive Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology Program that can be seen on our course page: Automotive Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
Entry Requirements for International Students Studying Automotive Course in Australia
Entry into the automotive package is relatively low, as the initial course is a Certificate III and accessible to most people. Entry requirements are listed below. However, opportunities for those with relevant work experience also exist.
1. Course Requirements (refer to the Course Package above)
- Secondary School Year 11 (pass) transcripts
- English Language Proficiency - IELTS (5.5 to 6.0) or equivalent
- Complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) test during the enrolment
- Meet the Genuine Temporary Requirement (GTR) with evidence of financial capacity to support your stay in Australia (tuition, living expenses).
- Health insurance coverage (Overseas Student Health Cover or OSHC)
- Character requirements and medical assessment post visa lodgement
Automotive Job Prospects
Graduates can find employment in the following roles by completing the Automotive package:
Light Vehicle Mechanic: Servicing and repairing passenger cars and light commercial vehicles.
- With an average annual salary of $75,000 to $90,000
Automotive Electrician: Diagnosing and repairing electrical systems in vehicles.
- With an average annual salary of $80,000 to $100,000
Career Progression Opportunities
Further study and gaining experience in the industry can lead to other roles listed below- Workshop Supervisor: Managing a team of mechanics in a workshop.
- Service Manager: Overseeing the service department of a dealership.
- Technical Specialist: Providing expert advice on complex automotive issues.
- Automotive Engineer: Designing and developing new vehicle technologies.
Challenges and Rewards of Studying Automotive Course in Australia
Studying Automotive in Australia presents unique opportunities and challenges. Here is a breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses to guide your decision-making.
Challenges
- Physical Demands: The work can be physically demanding, such as lifting heavy objects and working in awkward positions.
- Working with Hazardous Materials: Exposure to oils, fuels, and other chemicals requires careful handling and safety precautions.
- Keeping Up with Technology: The automotive industry constantly evolves, requiring continuous learning and adaptation to new technologies.
Rewards
- Job Satisfaction: Solving mechanical problems and restoring vehicles to optimal condition.
- Variety and Challenge: Working on various vehicles and encountering new daily challenges.
- Good Earning Potential: Skilled automotive technicians are well-compensated, with opportunities for salary growth.
- Career Stability: The demand for qualified mechanics ensures job security and longevity.
Ignite your automotive career with confidence! Dive into top-notch automotive courses in Australia and unlock thrilling opportunities in this dynamic and rewarding industry!
Post-study visas for Automotive Graduates
Students who graduate from the Automotive package and can hit the work experience requirement are eligible to apply for a Graduate visa that will allow them to work and stay in Australia; see below:
Temporary Graduate Visa (Subclass 485)
- stay in Australia for 18 months,
- travel, work or study in Australia during your stay.
- Include members of your family
- become eligible for skilled visas and pathways to permanent residence
The great news is that there have always been stable pathways for Automotive graduates to stay in Australia. However, you must work as a “Motor Mechanic” and undergo a skills assessment to possess adequate skills and knowledge of the following:
- Detecting and diagnosing mechanical and electrical faults in engines and parts
- Dismantling and removing engine assemblies, transmissions, steering mechanisms and other components and checking parts
- repairing and replacing worn and defective parts, reassembling mechanical components, and referring to service manuals as needed
- performing scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications and engine tune-ups, to achieve smoother running of vehicles and ensure compliance with pollution regulations
- reassembling engines and parts after being repaired
- testing and adjusting mechanical parts after being repaired for proper performance
- diagnosing and testing parts with the assistance of computers
- inspect vehicles and issue roadworthiness certificates or detail work required to achieve roadworthiness
- may respond to vehicle breakdown service calls
Candidates will have access to a Skills assessment from the Trades Recognition Authority to verify their standing while on the Temporary Graduate Visa. They may be eligible to apply for Skills Nominated Visas to stay in Australia permanently.
Skilled Independent Visa - 189 (Points Tested)
- stay in Australia Permanently
- work and study in Australia
- enrol in Australia's public health care scheme, Medicare
- sponsor your relatives to come to Australia
- travel to and from Australia for 5 years
- if eligible, become an Australian citizen
Start Your Automotive Journey with Studyaway!
Studyaway is your partner throughout your stay in Australia, and we will guide you every step of the way, from student visas to graduate, work, and permanent residency, through our team of experts.
Studying Automotive in Australia offers strong job prospects and the opportunity to make a real difference.
At Studyaway, we provide expert support to help you choose the right course, manage visa options, and navigate your career path. With our affordable packages, we can make your dream of studying in Australia a reality.
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