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Become a Light Vehicle Mechanic and Auto Electrician
If you are looking for a light vehicle mechanic apprenticeship and want to build specialist auto electrical skills at the same time, MTA’s Light Vehicle and Auto Electrical Dual Trade apprenticeship gives you both qualifications in one program. As South Australia’s only dedicated automotive industry training provider, MTA Training and Employment combines on-the-job learning with structured training to set you up for long-term success.
As an apprentice you complete AUR30620 Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology and AUR30320 Certificate III in Automotive Electrical Technology, giving you the skills to diagnose, repair and service modern vehicles from bumper to bumper. This dual trade is ideal if you want to work as a light vehicle mechanic who also understands complex electrical and electronic systems
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Why Choose a Dual Trade Apprenticeship?
Today’s workshops need technicians who can work confidently as both a light vehicle mechanic and auto electrician, especially as vehicles become more computerised and electrified. By choosing a dual trade apprenticeship, you invest in a broader skill set that can open more doors and increase your value to employers.
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Benefits For Apprentices and Employers
A dual trade apprenticeship can be a game-changer for both apprentices and businesses. Apprentices gain a wider skill base and more career options, while employers build a workforce that can handle a broader range of work in-house. 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.
Apprenticeships Overview Host An Apprentice

Train Your Apprentice

Train Your Apprentice

Support your apprentice’s dual trade journey with MTA’s expert training and resources tailored for employers.

Train Your Apprentice
Become An Apprentice

Become An Apprentice

Launch your light vehicle mechanic and auto electrician career through MTA’s structured dual trade apprenticeship.

Become An Apprentice
Host An Apprentice

Host An Apprentice

Host a motivated apprentice at your workshop and benefit from MTA’s recruitment and training support.

Host An Apprentice

During your apprenticeship you will:

  • Train on the latest diagnostic scan tools to find and fix faults in on-board computer-controlled systems, improving efficiency and performance.
  • Test, diagnose and repair electrical systems such as lighting, instrumentation, ignition, fuel injection, stability control and CAN BUS networks.
  • Service and repair engines, transmissions, cooling systems, steering and suspension as part of your light vehicle mechanic apprenticeship.
  • Develop safe work practices around electric and hybrid vehicles, preparing you for emerging automotive technologies.
  • Gain air-conditioning knowledge and skills, with training that aligns to licensing requirements through ArcTick.

If you are not sure whether a single trade or dual trade is right for you, you can also explore other automotive apprenticeship options such as stand-alone Light Vehicle Mechanical Technician or other dual trade pathways.

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What You Will Learn as a Dual Trade Apprentice

This dual trade combines all the key outcomes of a light vehicle mechanic apprenticeship with advanced auto electrical training. Over the course of your apprenticeship, you will build capability across mechanical, electrical and electronic systems so you can handle a wide variety of jobs in the workshop.

You will learn how to:

  • Service, diagnose and repair petrol and diesel engines, drivelines, braking, steering and suspension systems.
  • Use specialist tools and diagnostic equipment to identify faults in vehicle management systems and electronic control modules.
  • Install, test and repair wiring, charging and starting systems, accessories, instrumentation and safety systems.
  • Apply safe work practices when working with high-voltage systems in hybrid and electric vehicles.

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

Stand Out in Workshop Roles
Increase your employability and stand out when applying for workshop roles with dual qualifications that demonstrate 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 vehicle 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 automotive workshops.

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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.

Host An Apprentice

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 vehicles become more complex and electrified, with dual trade skills that match evolving industry demands.

Host An Apprentice

Training Model and Supervision

MTA’s flexible training model is designed to work around real workshop demands, with rolling intakes so apprentices can commence training at any time. Apprentices complete scheduled training blocks at MTA’s Training & Employment Centre while continuing to gain experience at their host business.

Supervision Requirements

Apprentices undertaking a dual trade are required to be supervised by a qualified automotive electrical technician and a suitably qualified light vehicle technician. If your workplace does not currently have an automotive electrical technician, existing technicians with light vehicle qualifications can complete further training to become an automotive electrician through MTA Training and Employment.

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Entry Pathways and How to Apply

There are two main ways to start your light vehicle mechanic apprenticeship with a dual trade focus at MTA Training and Employment. You can either be employed by MTA, who will place you with a host employer, or you can secure your own apprenticeship and complete your training with MTA.

Become employed by MTA and be placed with a host workshop while you complete your dual trade training by submitting an application via Apply for an Apprenticeship

Gain an apprenticeship directly with an employer and do your training through MTA’s Royal Park Training & Employment Centre as part of the broader MTA apprenticeships offering.

 

To start your application, complete MTA’s online apprenticeship application form on the Apply for an Apprenticeship page and submit your details so the team can contact you about current opportunities.

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Course Overview

1 Year 1

Workshop Introduction, Cooling, Engines and Fuel Systems, Automotive Servicing and Electrical and Soldering

2 Year 2

Braking Systems, Wiring Harnesses, charging and Starting Systems and Ignition Systems

3 Year 3

Steering, Suspension and Wheel Alignment, Drivelines, Instruments and Warning Systems and Transmissions Management Systems

4 Year 4

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

5 Year 5

Dynamic Control Systems, Body Management Systems and Air-Conditioning

The Light Vehicle and Auto Electrical Dual Trade apprenticeship is structured so you consistently build on your skills, starting with core workshop practices and progressing into advanced diagnostics and electrical systems. Each year focuses on specific systems and technologies to support your development as a competent light vehicle mechanic and auto electrician.

Entry Criteria

To be eligible for the Light Vehicle and Auto Electrical Dual Trade apprenticeship, you must:

 

  • 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 experience in the automotive industry or have completed relevant training, Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be available. RPL allows your existing skills and knowledge to be assessed against the apprenticeship units so you do not repeat learning you have already completed.

 

MTA will work with you to review any previous study, informal learning or workplace experience and determine whether credit or advanced standing can be granted. This process can shorten the duration of your apprenticeship and help you progress more quickly to new skills and responsibilities.

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Why Choose MTA Training and Employment

As South Australia’s only dedicated automotive industry training provider, MTA offers purpose-built workshops, modern vehicles and up-to-date diagnostic equipment as part of its apprenticeships offering. The training environment mirrors real-world conditions so you can confidently step into full-time work as a light vehicle mechanic and auto electrician once qualified.

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Employment Opportunities

After graduating with your dual trade, you will unlock diverse employment opportunities across the automotive industry. Potential career pathways include:

  • Vehicle dealerships
  • Automotive repair workshops
  • Fleet operators
  • Engineering companies
  • Government departments with vehicle maintenance workshops
  • Owner-operator (business owner)
  • Roles with a clear pathway into the electric vehicle industry

Apprentices may be eligible for incentives of up to $10,000 under the Commonwealth Government’s New Energy Apprenticeships Program.

At the MTA, there are two main pathways to complete your dual trade apprenticeship. You can become employed by the MTA, who will find you a job across South Australia’s metro and regional areas while you undertake your training at one of MTA Training and Employment’s state-of-the-art facilities, working with new and emerging technologies. 

Alternatively, you can gain employment on your own and train at one of MTA Training and Employment Centres’ progressive automotive training facilities. If you are over 21 years old, you should read MTA’s Adult Apprenticeship Policy before completing an application.

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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 dual trade?

For anyone wanting broader skills, more job options and the ability to handle both mechanical and electrical work on modern agricultural machinery, a dual trade is a strong investment. Employers increasingly need technicians who can diagnose and repair equipment where mechanical systems are controlled by complex electronics, so dual trade graduates can be highly valued in the field and workshop.

Where can this career take you?

Completing this dual trade apprenticeship can lead to roles with agricultural equipment dealerships, broadacre farms, regional workshops, manufacturers, mobile service units and more. With experience, you can move into supervisory roles, specialist diagnostics, product support, AgTech installation, fleet coordination or owning your own agricultural service business.

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