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Become a Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technician
If you enjoy working on large engines and machinery, MTA’s Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technician apprenticeship is a great way to start your career as a heavy diesel mechanic. You will complete AUR31120 Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, learning to service, repair and overhaul the mechanical parts of trucks, buses and other heavy equipment. As an apprentice you complete AUR31120 Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology, giving you the skills to diagnose, repair and maintain diesel vehicles and heavy machinery. This apprenticeship is ideal if you want to work as a heavy diesel mechanic on powerful engines, transmissions and drivetrains.
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 the heavy vehicle sector. Training is delivered at MTA’s Royal Park facility and in real workshops across South Australia.
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Why Choose a Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technician Apprenticeship?
Heavy diesel mechanics keep Australia's transport and industry running, and demand is strong for skilled tradespeople who can work on large diesel vehicles and equipment. This apprenticeship is perfect if you love powerful engines, problem-solving and working on impressive machinery like trucks, buses and graders.
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Benefits for Apprentices and Employers
A heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeship creates skilled tradespeople who support critical transport infrastructure while building sustainable careers. Apprentices gain expertise in high-demand systems, while employers develop technicians who reduce downtime and handle diverse repairs.
Apprenticeships Overview Host An Apprentice

Train Your Apprentice

Train Your Apprentice

Support your apprentice with MTA’s expert training and resources tailored for the heavy vehicle industry.

Train Your Apprentice
Become An Apprentice

Become An Apprentice

Start your heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeship and gain skills to work on powerful engines and commercial vehicles.

Become An Apprentice
Host An Apprentice

Host An Apprentice

Host a heavy diesel mechanic apprentice and benefit from MTA’s recruitment and training support.

Host An Apprentice

During your apprenticeship you will:

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

During your heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeship, you’ll split time between your host employer and MTA training centres, building skills on actual heavy vehicles. You’ll master inspection, servicing and repair processes that keep transport networks operating safely and efficiently.

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What You Will Learn as a Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technician

This apprenticeship builds comprehensive skills across heavy vehicle mechanical systems, from routine maintenance to complex diagnostics. You’ll learn to use specialised tools and develop strategies that solve real-world problems on trucks, buses and construction equipment.

You will learn how to:

  • Diagnose and repair engine management, compression ignition, forced induction and dynamic control systems.
  • Use diagnostic equipment, forklifts and other tools to maintain vehicles safely.
  • Apply workplace safety, environmental compliance and precision measurement techniques.
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For apprentices, completing a heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeship means you can:

 

Stand Out in Heavy Vehicle Roles

Increase your employability with qualifications covering engines, hydraulics and diagnostics on commercial equipment.

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Enjoy Challenging Workshop Work

Work on varied repairs from transmissions to braking systems, keeping skills sharp across heavy vehicle types.

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Access Senior Career Opportunities

Position yourself for workshop supervision, specialist roles or business ownership as experience grows.

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For employers, heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeships can help you:

 

Build In-House Capability

Develop technicians who handle engines, hydraulics and electrical repairs, keeping more work onsite.

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Improve Fleet Reliability

Boost efficiency with staff trained in diagnostics and maintenance that minimises breakdowns.

Host An Apprentice
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Future-Proof Your Workshop

Prepare for evolving diesel technologies and projected technician shortages through 2030.

 

If you would like to discuss how a heavy diesel mechanic apprentice fits your business, explore MTA’s automotive apprenticeships and employer support through the main apprenticeships page.

Host An Apprentice

Training Model and Supervision

MTA delivers this apprenticeship over four years full-time, blending on-the-job experience with structured off-the-job training blocks. Weekly inductions provide flexible entry points so apprentices can start when opportunities arise.

Supervision Requirements

Training happens at MTA’s modern Royal Park and Cleve facilities equipped for heavy vehicle work, plus host employer workshops. Qualified heavy diesel mechanics supervise apprentices to ensure safe practices and quality repairs.

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Entry Pathways and How to Apply

There are two pathways to start your heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeship with MTA Training and Employment.

Become employed by MTA and placed with a heavy vehicle workshop while completing your training.

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

Submit your details via MTA’s Apply for an Apprenticeship page so the team can connect you with opportunities. Mature-age applicants over 21 should review MTA’s Adult Apprenticeship Policy before applying.

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Course Overview

1

Engines, diesel fuel systems, transmissions and drivelines.

2

Braking, suspension, steering and hydraulic systems.

3

Basic electrical systems, batteries and charging.

4

Air-conditioning, emissions and engine management systems.

5

Welding, thermal processes and diagnostic strategies.

The Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technician apprenticeship follows a structured progression covering all major heavy vehicle systems. Competency-based training lets you advance as you master practical skills on real equipment.

Entry Criteria

To be eligible for the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technician apprenticeship, you will generally need to:

  • 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

Prior mechanical experience or qualifications may qualify for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). MTA assesses existing competencies against apprenticeship units to grant credit and accelerate completion.

Trainers review workplace skills, informal training and prior study to identify RPL opportunities. This focuses your apprenticeship on remaining gaps for full qualification.

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Why Choose MTA Training and Employment

MTA Training and Employment specialises in automotive trades with facilities purpose-built for heavy vehicle training at Royal Park and regional sites. Industry-experienced trainers deliver practical programs aligned with workshop realities.

 

Select MTA for your heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeship to access modern equipment, employer networks and proven pathways training hundreds annually. Regional delivery supports apprentices across South Australia.

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Employment Opportunities

Qualified heavy diesel mechanics find roles across transport, mining, construction and government fleets.

Potential roles include:

  • Truck dealerships and heavy vehicle workshops.
  • Bus companies and fleet maintenance.
  • Engineering firms and government vehicle operations.
  • Owner-operator repair businesses.

Career progression can lead to workshop management, specialist diagnostics or even business ownership.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a heavy diesel mechanic?

A heavy diesel mechanic services, repairs and maintains diesel engines and systems on trucks, buses, earthmovers and industrial equipment. They handle engines, transmissions, hydraulics, brakes and diagnostics to ensure vehicles operate safely and reliably.

How long does it take to become a heavy diesel mechanic in Australia?

The apprenticeship typically takes 4 years full-time, combining workplace experience with off-the-job training to achieve AUR31120 Certificate III. Recognition of Prior Learning can shorten this for those with existing skills.

What are the common issues heavy diesel mechanics fix?

Common issues include engine faults, transmission problems, hydraulic failures, brake system wear, suspension damage and electrical charging issues. Mechanics also handle routine servicing, emissions compliance and advanced diagnostics.

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