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Become an Agricultural Mechanical Technician
If you have a passion for agricultural machinery and enjoy hands-on problem solving, MTA's Agricultural Mechanical Technician apprenticeship is your pathway to a rewarding trade career. You will learn to inspect, service and repair tractors, headers, mowers, slashers, sprayers and irrigation equipment. As an apprentice you complete AUR30420 Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology, giving you the skills to diagnose and repair engines, transmissions, hydraulics and electrical systems found on modern farm machinery. This apprenticeship is ideal if you want to work as an agricultural mechanic supporting farmers and agribusiness.
South Australia's dedicated automotive training provider, MTA Training and Employment combines on-the-job experience with hands-on trade school training so you develop practical skills for agricultural workshops. Training is delivered at MTA's Royal Park and Cleve facilities statewide.
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Why Choose an Agricultural Mechanical Technician Apprenticeship?
Agricultural mechanics are essential for keeping South Australia's farms productive, with growing demand driven by advanced machinery and an ageing workforce. This apprenticeship suits those who enjoy working with large equipment, diagnostics and supporting rural communities.
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Benefits for Apprentices and Employers
An agricultural mechanic apprenticeship creates skilled tradespeople essential for farm productivity while offering stable rural careers. Apprentices gain expertise across machinery systems, while employers develop technicians who minimise downtime during peak seasons.
Apprenticeships Overview Host An Apprentice

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Train Your Apprentice

Support your apprentice with MTA’s agricultural mechanic training tailored for farm equipment and regional workshops.

Train Your Apprentice
Become An Apprentice

Become An Apprentice

Launch your agricultural mechanic apprenticeship working on tractors, sprayers and harvesting equipment.

Become An Apprentice
Host An Apprentice

Host An Apprentice

Host a motivated agricultural mechanic apprentice and access MTA’s recruitment and training resources.

Host An Apprentice

During your apprenticeship you will:

  • Inspect, service and repair engines, diesel fuel systems, transmissions, clutches and drive shafts.
  • Diagnose and repair braking, steering, suspension, hydraulic and hydrostatic transmission systems.
  • Test, charge and replace batteries while repairing electrical circuits and engine management systems.
  • Service air-conditioning, HVAC and emission control systems.
  • Carry out welding, thermal cutting and metal repairs.

 

During your agricultural mechanic apprenticeship you’ll work across farm machinery in real workshops while attending structured training blocks. You’ll develop skills to keep harvesting, planting and irrigation equipment operating during critical seasons.

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What You Will Learn as an Agricultural Mechanical Technician

This apprenticeship builds comprehensive skills for maintaining diverse agricultural equipment from tractors to harvesters. You’ll master diagnostic strategies using specialised test equipment to solve complex machinery problems efficiently.

 

You will:

  • Develop diagnostic strategies and operate forklifts safely in workshop environments.
  • Respond to customer needs while maintaining agricultural equipment to peak performance.
  • Graduate with Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology as a prerequisite for ARCtick licensing.
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Hiran Alwis, MTA SA Trainer Assessor Light Vehicle Technology, conducting hybrid and battery electric vehicle training.

For apprentices, completing an agricultural mechanic apprenticeship means you can:

 

Master Farm Machinery Repairs

Gain skills across engines, hydraulics and electronics that make you valuable across agricultural dealerships and farms.

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Work in Dynamic Environments

Handle varied repairs on tractors, harvesters and sprayers, keeping your skills sharp year-round.

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Build Long-Term Career Options

Progress to senior technician, workshop management or business ownership in growing agribusiness.

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For employers, agricultural mechanic apprenticeships can help you:

 

Reduce Machinery Downtime

Develop technicians who service transmissions, hydraulics and electrical systems onsite.

Host An Apprentice

Support Peak Season Operations

Improve reliability with staff trained in diagnostics that keep equipment running when it matters most.

.

Host An Apprentice

Address Technician Shortages

Build capability as ageing workforce gaps create strong demand for new agricultural mechanics.

 

If you would like to discuss how an agricultural mechanic apprentice fits your operation, explore MTA’s automotive apprenticeships through the main apprenticeships page.

Host An Apprentice

Training Model and Supervision

MTA delivers this apprenticeship over four years full-time, combining workplace learning with off-the-job training at modern facilities. Weekly inductions offer flexible start dates aligned with farming cycles.

Supervision Requirements

Training occurs at MTA’s Royal Park and Cleve centres equipped for agricultural machinery, plus host employer workshops. Qualified agricultural mechanics provide supervision to ensure safe practices and quality repairs.

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Entry Pathways and How to Apply

Two pathways exist to start your agricultural mechanic apprenticeship with MTA Training and Employment.

Become employed by MTA and matched with an agricultural workshop while completing training.

Gain direct employment with an employer and access MTA’s structured off-the-job program.

Submit your application via MTA’s Apply for an Apprenticeship page for the team to connect you with current opportunities. If you’re over 21 please review MTA’s Adult Apprenticeship Policy.

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Course Overview

1

Engines, transmissions, hydraulics and driveline systems.

2

Braking, steering, suspension and hydrostatic transmissions.

3

Electrical circuits, batteries and engine management.

4

Welding, air-conditioning and emission controls.

5

Diagnostic strategies and forklift operation.

The Agricultural Mechanical Technician apprenticeship progresses from basic servicing to advanced diagnostics across farm machinery systems. Competency-based training advances you as skills are demonstrated on real equipment.

Entry Criteria

Eligibility for the Agricultural Mechanical Technician apprenticeship generally requires:

 

  • Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
  • Be in Year 11 or higher if you are still at school.
  • Successfully complete MTA’s pre-selection test and interview process.
  • Meet literacy and numeracy requirements through an assessment.

 

A literacy and numeracy assessment forms part of the enrolment process to ensure you meet the minimum required levels. Funding through the South Australian Department for Education requires you to meet a minimum standard; if you are below this level, you will be referred to a provider to access a foundation skills course or foundation skills bridging units. 

 

Individuals seeking access to a Certificate II or III subsidised training place or a Jobs First Employment Project must demonstrate they are at Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) Exit Level 2 in reading and numeracy.

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Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have existing mechanical skills or qualifications you may qualify for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). MTA will assess competencies against the apprenticeship units to accelerate your apprenticeship completion.

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Why Choose MTA Training and Employment

MTA specialises in automotive trades with facilities built for agricultural machinery training across Royal Park and regional South Australia. Experienced trainers deliver practical programs reflecting real farm workshop conditions.

 

Choose MTA for structured support, modern equipment and pathways training hundreds of apprentices annually. Regional delivery serves farming communities effectively.

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Employment Opportunities

Qualified agricultural mechanics work across dealerships, farm operations and specialist services. High demand stems from technology advances and an ageing workforce.

Opportunities include:

  • Agricultural equipment dealerships.
  • Independent repair workshops and farming enterprises.
  • Irrigation and harvesting equipment specialists.

Progress to senior technician, workshop supervision, field service or business ownership.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an agricultural mechanic?

An agricultural mechanic services, repairs and maintains tractors, harvesters, headers, sprayers and irrigation equipment. They handle engines, hydraulics, transmissions and diagnostics to keep farm operations productive.

How long does it take to become an agricultural mechanic in Australia?

The apprenticeship takes 4 years full-time, blending workplace experience with training for AUR30420 Certificate III. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can shorten duration for those with prior skills.

What are the common issues agricultural mechanics fix?

Common issues include engine faults, hydraulic failures, transmission problems, electrical charging issues and seasonal wear on brakes/suspension. Mechanics also handle routine servicing and advanced diagnostics.

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