Mechanics use their skills and tools to repair and maintain vehicle engines and other related mechanical components. They can specialise to work on a variety of different vehicles, including cars, motorbikes, trucks, boats, and farm machinery.
If you like working with your hands, are analytical and a great problem-solver, and want a job that will keep you on your feet, you might want to consider becoming a Mechanic.
About you:
- Fit and healthy
- Works well with their hands
- Analytical and thorough
- Good communicator
- Trustworthy and reliable
- Great problem-solver
- Can work independently and as part of a team
- Strong mathematic skills
The job:
- Detecting and diagnosing problems and faults
- Repairing and replacing missing or broken parts
- Disassembling and reassembling complex parts, such as engines, transmissions, steering mechanisms, and more
- Performing routine maintenance on vehicles
- Communicating to clients about issues, costs and solutions
- Testing parts to make sure they work correctly
- Working with a variety of tools and machinery
Lifestyle Impact: High
- Part Time opportunities: Very low – only 10% of Mechanics work part-time (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
- Average hours for full-time workers: 44 hours a week, which is average (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
- Mechanics’ salary (average) $60,000* per year (source: com.au). *Salaries vary depending on your skills and experience.
- Future career growth: Stable (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au).
- You will be doing a lot of physical work and spend most of the day on your feet. Being fit and healthy is a huge advantage. You might also expect to work overtime on urgent jobs and on weekends.
Mechanics are most in demand in these locations:
This is a very large occupation, with around 107,300 people working as Mechanics in 2019 (source: labourmarketinsights.gov.au). Demand is spread evenly across Australia. Most work in the trades and transport industries.
There are jobs available around Australia and globally. You’ll need to be on site to do most of your work, so there are few opportunities to work remotely or from home.
How to become a Mechanic in Australia
To work as a Mechanic, you will need to complete a relevant VET qualification. These are usually done as apprenticeships, giving you the opportunity to gain valuable experience while you learn.
Step 1 – Complete Year 10 at the least, focusing on Maths and Sciences.
Step 2 – See if you can get work experience as a mechanic or working with machines.
Step 3 – Completing a relevant VET-level qualification, depending on the particular field you’d like to work in. Some options include:
- Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
- Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
- Certificate III in Marine Mechanical Technology
- Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology
- Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology
Most of these qualifications can be undertaken as an apprenticeship, so you can earn while you learn.
Step 4 – Make sure you have all the relevant licensing and other requirements necessary to start working.
Step 5 – Consider starting up your own business and employing other apprentices and workers.
Find out more here –
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do Mechanics do?
Mechanics repair and maintain a variety of vehicles by detecting any faults and replacing or repairing defective parts or components. They may also perform other routine maintenance work on vehicles.
Which industries employ Mechanics?
Most Mechanics work in the trades and transport industries.
What options are there for career progression?
You can start out as an apprentice, and once you graduate work as a fully qualified Mechanic. Once you have lots of experience, you could consider starting up your own business or working freelance.
Do I need to go to university to become a Mechanic?
No. To become a Mechanic you only need to complete a relevant VET-level qualification.
Where do Mechanics work?
Mechanics are employed all across Australia. Most of your work will be done in garages and workshops, though on some occasions you may also have to travel to a specific site to repair broken down vehicles that can’t be moved.
What are 3 things I can do right now to help me become a Mechanic?
If you’re in high school and you’d like to find out if a career as a Mechanic is right for you, here’s a few things you could do right now:
- Start tinkering with broken objects around the home and see if you can repair them. Ask friends and family if they have anything they might like you to try and fix.
- Try and get work experience as a Mechanic. This is a great way to start building your skills and can help you decide whether or not it’s the right career choice for you.
- Consider taking short courses and workshops to build on your skills and knowledge, or talk to a Mechanic and find out what the job is like.