Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology (Apprenticeship)

During this apprenticeship, you will learn hands-on skills and knowledge to work as a mechanic of light vehicles.

Through a combination of on-the-job training and block releases, you will gain experience to inspect, service and repair light vehicles and a high industry standard.

You will learn how to apply safe work practices, test and service batteries and carry out repairs to single electrical circuits. This course will help you develop your skills in servicing and repairing engine management systems, steering, suspension, transmission and braking systems, and teach you about inspecting and servicing engine cooling systems.

This course also covers inspecting, diagnosing, servicing and repair of manual and automatic transmissions, how to repair steering and suspension systems, the detailed servicing of hydraulic brake systems, engines and fuel systems as well as engine and driveline management systems.

Upon successful completion, you will be a qualified Light Vehicle Mechanic with a nationally recognised qualification.

Upon completion, you may advance and update your qualification with a Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology to service and repair automotive air conditioning.

You may also choose to specialise in the mechanic field with Certificate IV level qualifications in Mechanical Diagnosis and Mechanical Overhauling.

Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts. 

Find the next info session near you

You need to be employed in this field as an apprentice light vehicle mechanic before commencing this course.

If you are currently not employed in this field please contact the Skills and Jobs Centre for further advice. 

To be eligible for this qualification you must successfully complete 36 units; 20 core and 16 electives units.

Core Units

This course involves accredited units.  You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes.  A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used either online or in the classroom.

Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms.  Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance.  You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.

Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.

Your fees each year can be made up of 3 different elements.  Everyone has different circumstances that can affect what you pay and how much you pay. :

1. Tuition fees - charged as an hourly rate that varies from course to course. A large portion of the tuition is subsidised by the Victorian Government for eligible students.
2. Resource and/or materials costs - covers the cost of materials and other incidentals. This fee will vary according to the course being undertaken.
3. Booklist items - such as textbooks, equipment and stationery recommended for your course

Tuition fees

There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances). 

1. Government Subsidised Fee - you could be eligible for a government-subsidised rate under the Skills First funding depending on your age, educational history, and citizenship or residency status. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your training.
   Find out more about subsidised training
   
   
2. Government Subsidised Concession Fee - If you are eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place and hold a current healthcare or pension card, that you can provide at enrolment, you may be eligible for the concession rate. Note, the concession rate is not applicable to Diploma level courses.
   Find out more about concession rates
   
   
3. If the course is a Free TAFE course or part of the Free TAFE Pathways Program - Eligible students will not pay course tuition fees for the duration of their enrolment in this course, however, there may be some consumable/material fees for the course (find out more below). Any resource or material costs, or booklist items for this course are listed in the table below.
   Find out more about Free TAFE
   Find out more about Free TAFE Pathways Programs
   
   
4. Full fee - If you are not eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place, exemption, concession or are enrolling in a course that isn't government-subsidised, you may be required to pay the full fee rate.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY

The fees listed below are indicative only. The course fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Course fee funding is made available to eligible individuals by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. An accurate quote for this course will be provided during the enrolment process.

Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.

Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.

You have three options when organising your payment:

1. Upfront payment - can be made over the phone with EFTPOS

2. Payment plan - can be directly debited from your bank account or via a VET Student Loan (for diploma or advanced diploma courses only)

3. Paid by employer, school or job network agency - if your fees are being paid by your employer, school or job network agency, you will need to complete an Authority to Invoice form.

Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.

We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.

There are five simple steps to apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship with us.

1. Find a job - find a job as an apprentice or trainee through an Apprenticeship Centre or Group Training Company.
2. Register - register with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) and nominate SWTAFE as your training provider (your employer will usually do this for you).
3. Complete a pre-training review - SWTAFE staff will contact you to organise your Pre-Training Review once your ASSN contract registration is complete.
4. Enrol - complete the enrolment form provided to you and provide your identification.
5. Sign - once you’ve completed your enrolment form and verified your identification you will receive your student declaration form to review and sign. You can sign this digitally via your smartphone, computer or tablet.

If need any assistance with applying, contact our Customer Service team on 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.

Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.

Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.

As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.