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Become an Automotive Electrical Technician
If you have a passion for automotive technology and electronics, MTA's Automotive Electrical Technician apprenticeship is your pathway to a high-demand trade career. You will complete AUR30320 Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology and learn to diagnose and repair engines, ignition, charging, starting and electronic control systems.
As 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 automotive workshops. Training is delivered at MTA's Royal Park and Cleve facilities with access to real vehicle electronics.
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Why Choose an Automotive Electrical Technician Apprenticeship?
Auto electricians are essential as vehicles become more electronically complex, with strong demand driven by hybrid and EV technologies. This apprenticeship suits those who enjoy problem-solving, analytical thinking and working with cutting-edge vehicle systems.
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Benefits For Apprentices and Employers
An auto electrician apprenticeship creates skilled tradespeople essential for modern vehicle repair while offering strong career prospects. Apprentices gain expertise in high-demand electronics skills, while employers develop technicians who can handle complex diagnostics.
Apprenticeships Overview Host An Apprentice

Train Your Apprentice

Train Your Apprentice

Support your apprentice with MTA’s automotive electrical training designed for today’s complex vehicle electronics.

Train Your Apprentice
Become An Apprentice

Become An Apprentice

Launch your auto electrician apprenticeship and gain skills to work on lighting, engine management and EV systems.

Become An Apprentice
Host An Apprentice

Host An Apprentice

Host an auto electrician apprentice and access MTA’s recruitment and training support for your workshop.

Host An Apprentice

During your apprenticeship you will:

  • Diagnose and repair engines, ignition, charging, starting and electronic control systems.
  • Service and repair cooling, air-conditioning and HVAC systems.
  • Install, test and repair vehicle lighting, wiring, harnesses and electronics.
  • Read wiring schematics and use electrical test equipment.
  • Work with hybrid and battery electric vehicles including depowering procedures.

During your auto electrician apprenticeship, you will work on real vehicle electrical systems while developing diagnostic and repair skills. You’ll learn to keep vehicles safe and operational through complex electronics.

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What You Will Learn as an Automotive Electrical Technician

This apprenticeship builds comprehensive skills for diagnosing and repairing modern vehicle electrical systems. You’ll master soldering, circuit testing and advanced diagnostics needed for today’s vehicles.

 

You will learn how to:

  • Solder circuits and handle automotive electrical components safely.
  • Develop problem-solving skills to tackle complex automotive electrical faults.
  • Service advanced electronic systems found in modern vehicles.
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Hiran Alwis, MTA SA Trainer Assessor Light Vehicle Technology, conducting hybrid and battery electric vehicle training.

For apprentices, completing an auto electrician apprenticeship means you can:

 

Master Vehicle Electronics

Gain skills in wiring, diagnostics and EV systems that position you for specialist automotive roles.

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Enjoy Technical Daily Work

Work on varied electrical repairs across lighting, engine management and hybrid systems.

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Build Future Career Options

Advance into senior electrician, diagnostic specialist or workshop supervision roles.

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For employers, auto electrician apprenticeships can help you:

 

Handle Complex Repairs In-House

Develop technicians who can diagnose and repair electrical systems without outsourcing.

Host An Apprentice

Support Modern Vehicle Servicing

Improve capability with staff trained in hybrid, EV and advanced electronic systems.

Host An Apprentice
automotive school programs at the mta

Meet Growing Industry Demand

Build capacity as automotive electronics complexity continues to increase.

If you would like to learn more about how an auto electrician apprentice fits your workshop, explore MTA’s automotive apprenticeships through the main apprenticeships page.

Host An Apprentice
automotive school programs and vetro pathways

Training Model and Supervision

MTA delivers this apprenticeship over four years full-time, blending workplace learning with off-the-job training. Weekly inductions offer flexible entry points for new apprentices.

Supervision Requirements

Training occurs at MTA’s Royal Park and Cleve centres equipped for automotive electrical work. Qualified auto electricians supervise apprentices to ensure safe practices and quality repairs.

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Entry Pathways and How to Apply

Two pathways exist to start your auto electrician apprenticeship with MTA Training and Employment.

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

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

Apply via MTA’s Apply for an Apprenticeship page, where the team can match you with current opportunities. If you’re over 21, it’s also worth reviewing MTA’s Adult Apprenticeship Policy.

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Course Overview

1

Engine, ignition, charging and electronic control systems.

2

Vehicle lighting, wiring, harnesses and electronics.

3

Air-conditioning, HVAC systems and hybrid vehicle procedures.

4

Diagnostic strategies and electrical test equipment.

The Automotive Electrical Technician apprenticeship progresses from basic circuits to advanced vehicle electronics. Competency-based training advances you as skills are demonstrated on real vehicles.

Entry Criteria

Eligibility for the Automotive Electrical Technician apprenticeship generally requires:

  • Australian citizenship or permanent residency.
  • 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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auto-electrician-to-electric-vehicle-technician-program

Recognition of Prior Learning

If you have existing mechanical skills or qualifications, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). MTA can assess your current competencies against the apprenticeship units to potentially fast-track your progress. This approach helps focus your training on the specific areas you still need to complete for full qualification.

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trainer and students during hybrid and battery electric training course

Why Choose MTA Training and Employment

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

 

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

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Employment Opportunities

Qualified auto electricians work across repair workshops, dealerships and EV specialists. High demand stems from vehicle electrification and electronics complexity.

Opportunities include:

  • Automotive repair workshops.
  • Vehicle dealerships.
  • Specialised electrical service centres.
  • Electric vehicle manufacturers.

With experience, you can advance into roles such as senior technician, workshop supervisor, field service manager or even business owner.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to become an auto electrician?

Becoming an auto electrician requires good problem-solving skills and attention to detail, but MTA’s structured training makes the technical skills accessible. The four-year apprenticeship builds your confidence through hands-on practice.

Is 25 too late to start an apprenticeship?

No, 25 is not too late to start an auto electrician apprenticeship. Many apprentices begin in their 20s and beyond, and MTA supports mature-age applicants through its Adult Apprenticeship Policy.

What are the top 3 skills of an auto electrician?

The top three skills are reading wiring schematics, using diagnostic test equipment and troubleshooting complex electrical faults. These skills enable auto electricians to solve problems across modern vehicle systems.

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