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At work, the life of a heavy vehicle mechanic is very exciting and dynamic. It’s not your typical, boring desk job that’s for sure. If you love trucks, buses and other large vehicles and have no problem working with your hands and getting yourself dirty, then there is no reason why you shouldn’t love being a heavy vehicle mechanic. However, you can’t just become a professional mechanic overnight. You need to start with an automotive apprenticeship.

As an automotive apprentice, your training will be done in two different learning environments. The first is your off-the-job training or your “classroom” learning. This is done by taking the proper training courses related to your apprenticeship through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) such as TAFE. Here you will learn the rudimentary skills and knowledge that you will need to be able to function effectively in your chosen field.

The second type of learning is your on-the-job training. This will take up most of your time during your apprenticeship. With on the job training, you will find yourself exactly where the action is – working under a professional heavy vehicle mechanic. And that’s exactly where you will get most of your experience – which is a very good thing if you want to be an expert heavy vehicle mechanic.

During your on-the-job training, you will be under the guidance and tutelage of experienced mechanics. During this time, you will learn a lot of things – both things learnt in your offsite training courses and trade secrets that you’d only get to learn once you’re in the field already. In time, as you become a better mechanic, you will be given more and more responsibilities at work. Throughout it all, you will be responsible for handling the big vehicles – buses, trucks, ships, bulldozers and other large vehicles.

Most apprenticeships tend to be three to four years in duration when done full time. Training is well structured so each year you learn new skills and gain more advanced experience in the automotive industry. So you work your way up, starting with assisting and observing the heavy vehicle mechanic you work under. As your training advances you will eventually become responsible for your own jobs – diagnosing, repairing and maintaining heavy vehicles.

At the end of it all, once you have successfully completed your apprenticeship you are awarded a nationally certified qualification that enables you to work as a professional heavy vehicle mechanic.