Shop About Members login
Become a Mobile Plant Technician
If you have a passion for heavy machinery and mechanics, MTA's Mobile Plant Technician apprenticeship is your pathway to a hands-on trade career. You will complete AUR31220 Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology and learn to service and repair bulldozers, graders, backhoes, front-end loaders, skid steers, excavators and dump trucks. Apprentices will also have the opportunity to graduate with AUR20216 Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology, a prerequisite for an ARCtick licence (air-con gas handling).
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 construction and mining operations. Training is delivered at MTA's Royal Park and Cleve facilities, with access to real mobile plant equipment.
Apply Now
Why Choose a Mobile Plant Technician Apprenticeship?
Mobile plant technicians are vital for keeping construction and mining operations running, with strong demand driven by industry growth and an ageing workforce. This apprenticeship suits those who enjoy dynamic, team-based work on impressive machinery.
Apply Now
Benefits for Apprentices and Employers
A plant mechanic apprenticeship creates skilled tradespeople essential for construction productivity while offering stable careers. Apprentices gain expertise across heavy machinery systems, while employers develop technicians who minimise downtime.
Apprenticeships Overview Host An Apprentice

automotive school programs and vetro pathways

Train Your Apprentice

Support your apprentice with MTA’s mobile plant training designed for construction and mining workshops.

Train Your Apprentice
Become An Apprentice

Become An Apprentice

Launch your plant mechanic apprenticeship and gain skills to maintain excavators, loaders and earthmoving equipment.

Become An Apprentice
Host An Apprentice

Host An Apprentice

Host a plant mechanic apprentice and access MTA’s recruitment and training support for your business.

Host An Apprentice

During your apprenticeship you will:

  • Inspect, service and repair engines, cooling, braking, steering, suspension and hydraulic systems.
  • Diagnose and repair electrical, transmission and engine management systems.
  • Test, charge, replace batteries and repair basic electrical circuits.
  • Service air-conditioning, HVAC and emission control systems.
  • Work on track-type drive, final drive assemblies, drive shafts and heavy vehicle components.

During your plant mechanic apprenticeship, you will work on real heavy machinery while developing skills in engines, hydraulics and electrical systems. You’ll learn to keep bulldozers, excavators and loaders operating safely and efficiently.

Apply Now

What You Will Learn as a Mobile Plant Technician

This apprenticeship builds comprehensive skills for maintaining mobile plant used in demanding construction and mining environments. You’ll master diagnostic strategies using specialised tools to solve complex machinery problems.

 

You will:

  • Carry out welding, thermal heating, cutting and use bearings, seals, gaskets, sealants and adhesives.
  • Develop diagnostic strategies and operate forklifts safely in workshop or field environments.
  • Graduate with Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology for ARCtick licensing.
Apply Now
Hiran Alwis, MTA SA Trainer Assessor Light Vehicle Technology, conducting hybrid and battery electric vehicle training.

For apprentices, completing a plant mechanic apprenticeship means you can:

 

Master Heavy Machinery Repairs

Gain skills across engines, hydraulics and diagnostics that make you valuable in construction and mining.

Apply Now

Work in Dynamic Environments

Handle repairs on bulldozers, excavators and loaders across workshops and field operations.

Apply Now

Build Long-Term Career Options

Progress to senior technician, workshop supervision or business ownership in growing industries.

Apply Now

For employers, plant mechanic apprenticeships can help you:

 

Reduce Equipment Downtime

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

Host An Apprentice
student and trainer oonducting accredited wheel alignment training

Support Peak Operations

Improve reliability with staff trained in diagnostics for critical construction equipment.

Host An Apprentice

Address Technician Shortages

Build capability as ageing workforce gaps create strong demand for mobile plant skills.

 

If you would like to learn how a plant mechanic apprentice fits your operation, you can 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, blending workplace learning with off-the-job training at modern facilities. Weekly inductions offer flexible start dates aligned with industry needs.

Supervision Requirements

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

Apply Now

Entry Pathways and How to Apply

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

Become employed by MTA and matched with a construction or mining 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.

Apply Now

Course Overview

1

Engines, transmissions, hydraulics and driveline systems.

2

Braking, steering, suspension and electrical systems.

3

Welding, air-conditioning and emission controls.

4

Diagnostic strategies and forklift operation.

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

Entry Criteria

Eligibility for the Mobile Plant 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.

Apply Now
traininag an industry apprentice at automotive business workshop

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.

Contact us

Why Choose MTA Training and Employment

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

 

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

Apply Now

Employment Opportunities

Qualified plant mechanics work across construction suppliers, mining operations and equipment rental. High demand stems from technology advances and workforce ageing.

Opportunities include:

  • Construction equipment suppliers.
  • Mining operations and independent repair workshops.
  • Equipment rental companies.

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

How long is a plant mechanic apprenticeship?

The apprenticeship takes 4 years full-time, blending workplace experience with training for AUR31220 Certificate III. RPL can shorten duration for those with prior skills.

What does a plant mechanic apprentice do?

A plant mechanic apprentice services and repairs heavy machinery including engines, hydraulics, transmissions and electrical systems. They work on bulldozers, excavators and loaders in workshops or field environments.

What qualification do I get?

You will earn AUR31220 Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology, plus have the opportunity to graduate with a AUR20216 Certificate II in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology.

Subscribe to our mailing list

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
Email*
Interested In*
mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Exclusive MTA member content

If you are an MTA member business and listed as an authorised contact, please enter your email to access the content.

Email
Please enter a valid email address

Not an MTA member? Click here to enquire.

mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Register to "Mobile Plant Technician"

If you are an MTA member business and listed as an authorised contact, please enter your email to access the content.

Email
Please enter a valid email address

Not an MTA member? Click here to enquire.

mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

RSVP to "Mobile Plant Technician"

Email
Please enter a valid email address

Not an MTA member? Click here to enquire.

mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Add Person Details

First Name
Please fill a this field
Last Name
Please fill a this field
Phone
Enter Phone Number
Email
Please enter a valid email address
mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Choose Attending Option

Attending
Notes
mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Please provide your information

Please submit your details below in order to download the requested template

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*
Last Name*
Email*

By downloading the brochure, you consent to receiving future emails and information from us. We prioritise your privacy and will handle your personal information in line with our privacy policy. To unsubscribe, click the "unsubscribe" link in any email. Kindly note that unsubscribing may affect your access to future updates and relevant information.

Comments
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Please provide your information

Please submit your details below and one of our customer service team members will get back to you.

"*" indicates required fields

First name*
Last name*
Email*
Phone
Company name
Message
Email
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
mta house at greenhill road workplace relations offices

Got questions?

Please submit your details below and one of our friendly team members will be in touch with you soon.

"*" indicates required fields

First name*
Last name*
Email*
Phone
Company name*
Message
Phone
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

To purchase this content, please complete this form and one of our friendly team members will be in touch with you shortly.
Note: This content may be exclusive to Members.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is hidden when viewing the form
Product
First name*
Last name*
Email*
Phone*
Company name*
Details
Comments
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.