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Become a Heavy Vehicle and Auto Electrician
If you want to become a heavy diesel mechanic who also understands electrical systems, MTA’s Heavy Vehicle and Auto Electrical Dual Trade can help you build both qualifications in one apprenticeship. You complete AUR31120 Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology and AUR30320 Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology, giving you the skills to diagnose, repair and service heavy vehicles from engine systems to electronics.
As South Australia’s leading automotive training provider, MTA Training and Employment combines on-the-job experience with hands-on trade school training so you develop practical skills, not just theory. Training is delivered at MTA’s modern facilities in Royal Park and other regional locations, helping you learn in environments that reflect real heavy vehicle work.
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Why Choose a Dual Trade Apprenticeship?
Heavy vehicles rely on both mechanical strength and advanced electrical systems, so a dual trade apprenticeship gives you a broader and more valuable skill set. By combining heavy diesel mechanic training with an auto electrician apprenticeship, you can diagnose more faults, work more efficiently and stay relevant as the transport industry evolves.
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Benefits for Apprentices and Employers
A heavy vehicle apprenticeship with auto electrical training benefits both apprentices and employers by building technicians who can complete more of the work in-house. Apprentices gain broader career options, while businesses gain staff who understand how mechanical and electrical systems interact on heavy commercial vehicles.
Apprenticeships Overview Host An Apprentice

Train Your Apprentice

Train Your Apprentice

Support your apprentice with structured dual trade training designed for the heavy vehicle industry and modern workshop demands.

Train Your Apprentice
Become An Apprentice

Become An Apprentice

Start a heavy vehicle apprenticeship that combines mechanical and electrical training for a strong career in the transport industry.

Become An Apprentice
Host An Apprentice

Host An Apprentice

Host a dual trade apprentice in your business and help build the next generation of heavy vehicle technicians.

Host An Apprentice
Hiran Alwis, MTA SA Trainer Assessor Light Vehicle Technology, conducting hybrid and battery electric vehicle training.

Become a Heavy Vehicle and Auto Electrician

 

If you want to become a heavy diesel mechanic who also understands electrical systems, MTA’s Heavy Vehicle and Auto Electrical Dual Trade can help you build both qualifications in one apprenticeship. You complete AUR31120 Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology and AUR30320 Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology, giving you the skills to diagnose, repair and service heavy vehicles from engine systems to electronics.

 

As South Australia’s leading automotive training provider, MTA Training and Employment combines on-the-job experience with hands-on trade school training so you develop practical skills, not just theory. Training is delivered at MTA’s modern facilities in Royal Park and other regional locations, helping you learn in environments that reflect real heavy vehicle work.

Apply Now

Why Choose a Dual Trade Apprenticeship?

Heavy vehicles rely on both mechanical strength and advanced electrical systems, so a dual trade apprenticeship gives you a broader and more valuable skill set. By combining heavy diesel mechanic training with an auto electrician apprenticeship, you can diagnose more faults, work more efficiently and stay relevant as the transport industry evolves.

Apply Now

During your apprenticeship you will:

  • Diagnose and repair engines, transmissions, cooling systems, steering and suspension.
  • Use advanced electronic diagnostic equipment to optimise vehicle performance.
  • Test and repair electrical systems, including lighting, instrumentation, ignition, fuel injection, stability control and CAN BUS systems.
  • Learn safe working practices around electric and hybrid vehicles.
  • Gain air-conditioning knowledge with training that can align to licensing requirements through ArcTick.
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What You Will Learn as a Dual Trade Apprentice

This dual trade is designed to equip you with the mechanical and electrical skills needed to work on heavy commercial vehicles in demanding environments. Whether you want to work in a workshop, on fleet vehicles or in a roadside service role, you will learn how to diagnose and repair complex systems with confidence.

You will learn how to:

  • Service and repair heavy commercial vehicles, including trucks and buses.
  • Perform advanced diagnostics on engines, drivetrains, braking and suspension systems.
  • Install, test and repair wiring, charging and starting systems, accessories, instrumentation and safety systems.
  • Work safely with EV and HEV technologies as heavy vehicle systems continue to evolve.

Training is delivered by MTA Training and Employment (RTO Code: 2293) at modern facilities that reflect real workshop environments. As part of the broader MTA automotive apprenticeships offering, you benefit from experienced trainers who understand industry expectations and current technology.

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traininag an industry apprentice at automotive business workshop

For apprentices, completing both a heavy diesel mechanic apprenticeship and auto electrician apprenticeship means you can:

 

Stand Out in Heavy Vehicle Roles

Increase your employability and stand out when applying for workshop roles with dual qualifications that show your versatility across mechanical and electrical systems.

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Enjoy Varied Daily Work

Work across mechanical and electrical jobs, keeping your day varied and your skills current as you handle a wide range of truck and bus repairs and diagnostics.

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Access Future Career Opportunities

Position yourself for future opportunities in diagnostics, leadership and emerging technologies such as EVs with skills that meet the demands of modern heavy vehicle workshops.

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For employers, dual trade apprenticeships can help you:

 

Build Multi-Skilled Technicians

Build technicians who can complete both mechanical and electrical tasks, reducing the need to outsource work and keeping more jobs in-house.

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Boost Workshop Efficiency

Improve workshop efficiency by having staff who understand how mechanical and electrical systems interact, leading to faster diagnostics and repairs.

Host An Apprentice

Prepare for Future Vehicles

Plan for the future as heavy vehicles become more complex and electrified, with dual trade skills that match evolving industry demands.

 

If you would like to discuss how a dual trade apprentice could fit into your business, you can learn more about MTA’s automotive apprenticeships and support services for employers through the main MTA apprenticeships page.

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Training Model and Supervision

The Heavy Vehicle and Auto Electrical Dual Trade is delivered over five years full-time, using a mix of on-the-job learning and structured trade school training. Apprentices benefit from weekly inductions, making it easier to start when an opportunity becomes available.

Supervision Requirements

Training is delivered at MTA’s state-of-the-art facilities in Royal Park and Cleve, with hands-on learning supported by real heavy vehicle equipment and workshop environments. Apprentices undertaking a dual trade are required to be supervised by qualified heavy vehicle and automotive electrical tradespeople to support safe and effective learning.

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Entry Pathways and How to Apply

There are two main ways to start your heavy vehicle apprenticeship with auto electrical training at MTA Training and Employment.

Become employed by MTA and be placed with a host business across South Australia while you complete your dual trade training.

Gain an apprenticeship directly with an employer and do your training at MTA’s progressive automotive training facilities.

To start your application, complete the online form on MTA’s Apply for an Apprenticeship page so the team can contact you about current opportunities. If you are over 21 years old, MTA’s Adult Apprenticeship Policy provides additional guidance before you apply.

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Course Overview

1 Year 1

Workshop Introduction, Cooling, Engines and Automotive Servicing, Electrical and Soldering, Braking Systems Suspensions, Steering and Hydraulics

2 Year 2

Wiring Harnesses, charging and Starting Systems and Ignition Systems and final drives

3 Year 3

Drive Shafts, Instruments and Warning Systems and Transmissions Management Systems, diesel Fuel Systems and Transmissions and Clutches.

4 Year 4

Compression Ignitions Systems and Forced Induction Systems, Emission Control, SRS and HEV/ BEV Safety

5 Year 5

Dynamic Control Systems, Body Management Systems and Air-Conditioning

The Heavy Vehicle and Auto Electrical Dual Trade apprenticeship is structured so you progressively build mechanical and electrical skills over the full term of the qualification. Training covers the core systems found in modern trucks, buses and heavy commercial vehicles, while also preparing you for emerging technologies.

Entry Criteria

To be eligible for the Heavy Vehicle and Auto Electrical Dual Trade apprenticeship, you will generally need to:

  • Be an Australian citizen or Permanent Resident.
  • Be currently living in South Australia.
  • Be 16 years of age or older.
  • Be in Year 11 or higher if you are still at school.
  • Be willing to commit to a 5-year apprenticeship.
  • Hold a driver’s licence (full-time apprentices must have P plates and school-based apprentices must have L plates).

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 already have industry experience or previous study in automotive or related fields, you may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). RPL assesses your existing skills and knowledge against the units in the heavy vehicle and auto electrical apprenticeship so you do not repeat learning you have already achieved.

MTA’s trainers can review your past qualifications, informal training and workplace experience to determine if credit or advanced standing applies. This can reduce the time it takes to complete your dual trade and help you move more quickly into higher-responsibility roles in the workshop or field.

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Why Choose MTA Training and Employment

 

MTA Training and Employment is South Australia’s dedicated automotive training provider, with modern facilities and training pathways built around industry needs. The organisation trains apprentices across metro and regional locations, including Royal Park and Cleve, using workshops and equipment that reflect real workplace conditions.

 

By choosing MTA for your heavy vehicle apprenticeship and auto electrician apprenticeship, you gain access to experienced trainers, employer networks and structured support from sign-up through to completion. You also join a training provider that continues to develop practical trade training for the next generation of heavy vehicle technicians.

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Employment Opportunities

After graduating with your dual trade, you will unlock diverse employment opportunities in the heavy vehicle and transport industry. Potential roles include:

  • Heavy vehicle repair workshops
  • Truck dealerships
  • Bus companies
  • Fleet operators
  • Engineering companies
  • Government departments with vehicle maintenance workshops
  • Owner-operator businesses
  • Electric vehicle industry roles

Apprentices may be eligible for incentives of up to $10,000 under the Commonwealth Government’s New Energy Apprenticeships Program, supporting your transition into lower-emissions transport work.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a dual trade apprenticeship?

A dual trade apprenticeship allows you to complete two related qualifications at the same time, in this case Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology and Automotive Electrical Technology. Instead of choosing between a heavy diesel mechanic pathway or an auto electrician apprenticeship, you work towards both, combining mechanical and electrical skills in one pathway.

Is it worth doing a Heavy Vehicle and Auto Electrical Dual Trade?

If you want broader skills, more job options and the ability to handle both mechanical and electrical work, a dual trade is a strong investment. Employers increasingly need technicians who can diagnose and repair modern heavy vehicles where mechanical systems are controlled by complex electronics, so dual trade graduates can be highly valued in workshops.

Where can a Heavy Vehicle and Auto Electrical Dual Trade take you?

Completing a dual trade apprenticeship can lead to roles in heavy vehicle repair workshops, truck dealerships, bus companies, fleet operations, engineering companies and government maintenance workshops. With experience, you can move into workshop supervision, diagnostics, technical training or even running your own business.

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