Course Overview

About This Course

Take the next step in your mechanical career by specialising in mobile plant technology (Civil Construction and Mining Equipment) with this hands-on, practical course. Set yourself up for career advancement as a technician working on mobile plant such as Mining and Construction Equipment including Dozers, Excavators, Loaders, Graders and Mining Trucks. According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, demand for qualified mechanics grew strongly over the past five years with employers finding it hard to fill vacancies. Job openings are expected to remain in demand in the near future with around 23,000 job openings expected over the next five years. Learn how to diagnose, service and repair mechanical parts on mobile plant including mining and civil construction equipment, forklifts, elevating work platforms and associated systems. You'll cover topics including electrical and electronic systems, remote controlled equipment, autonomous vehicle, fuel injection and engine systems, advanced hydraulic systems, as well as brakes, steering, transmission and suspension systems. Upon completion of this course you will have the technical knowledge and practical skills required to work as a diesel fitter/mobile plant technician, elevating work platform technician or forklift mechanic.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Acacia Ridge, Greater Brisbane, QLDIpswich, Greater Brisbane, QLDCharleville, Darling Downs and South West, QLDDalby, Darling Downs and South West, QLDRoma, Darling Downs and South West, QLDToowoomba, Darling Downs and South West, QLDWarwick, Darling Downs and South West, QLDBundaberg, Wide Bay Burnett, QLDKingaroy, Wide Bay Burnett, QLDCairns, North Queensland, QLDTownsville - Trade Training Centre Bohle, North Queensland, QLDACACIA RIDGEBRACKEN RIDGE

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

You will be invited to complete a Skills Check following your application submission, before enrolling to your studies. This helps you to decide if your course is right for you and allows us to understand your current abilities in English, Maths, as well as using Digital technology. The recommended benchmark levels for this course are 3 in English, 3 in Maths and 3 in Digital Technology.
To study an apprenticeship program you must be indentured as an apprentice with your employer. Employers need to be able to provide the necessary human and physical resources to qualify for an apprentice.
You must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland.
You are responsible for meeting the minimum occupational health and safety requirements in practical classes. This includes the use of:
- Clear safety glasses to AS 1336 or 1337
- Protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210
- Mechanic gloves
- Ear plugs or muffs
- Hair protection - long hair (i.e. hair below collar length) must be restrained (hat, headband, or hair tie) within the workshop environment
You should also wear 100% cotton drill industry-standard protective clothing. If you fail to meet these minimum standards of dress, you will not be permitted entry into practical classes.
You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks after enrolment, during orientation or at the start of each unit.
You are also required to have access to and bring personal stationery, a USB, and a calculator.

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Automotive Forklift Mechanic, Automotive Forklift Repair Technician, Elevating Work Platform Technician, Forklift Technician, Diesel Fitter, Earthmoving Equipment Technician

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

ASQA

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units9 units

AURAEA002

Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace

This unit describes the performance outcomes required to follow environmental and sustainability best practices, including complying with established workplace procedures and environmental regulations as well as following sustainability practices that may reduce the environmental impact of work practices and outputs.

AURASA102

Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify and follow safety and emergency procedures in an automotive workplace.

AURETR112

Test and repair basic electrical circuits

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to inspect, test and repair basic electrical circuits in vehicle and machinery electrical systems.

AURETR125

Test, charge and replace batteries and jump-start vehicles

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to test, charge, replace, retest and secure a range of automotive batteries, including vehicle or machinery jump-starting procedures.

AURTTA006

Inspect and service hydraulic systems

This unit describes the performance outcomes required to inspect and service hydraulic systems. It involves preparing for the task, inspecting the system, reporting the inspection findings, servicing and adjusting the system, and completing workplace processes and documentation.

AURTTA104

Carry out servicing operations

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to carry out servicing operations.

AURTTA105

Select and use bearings, seals, gaskets, sealants and adhesives

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select and use bearings, seals, gaskets, sealants and adhesives in the automotive vehicle industry.

AURTTA118

Develop and carry out diagnostic test strategies

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop and carry out a diagnostic testing strategy on vehicles, vessels or machinery.

AURTTK102

Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to select, use, maintain and store tools and equipment in an automotive workplace.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be employed before I can enrol in this course?

Yes, you must already be employed to enrol as an apprentice or trainee with TAFE Queensland. You should speak to your employer about choosing TAFE Queensland as your Supervising Registered Training Organisation (SRTO).

How much does the Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology cost?

Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour, calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost, which will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training. Additionally, the Queensland government is supporting young Queenslanders up to the age of 25 by providing access to fully subsidised training across a range of priority apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications.

What topics will I study in this course?

You'll cover topics including electrical and electronic systems, remote controlled equipment, autonomous vehicle, fuel injection and engine systems, advanced hydraulic systems, as well as brakes, steering, transmission and suspension systems. The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 27 elective units.

What are the assessment methods used in this course?

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning.

What flexible training delivery options are available for this course?

TAFE Queensland offers flexible training plans including workplace training, block training, drop in days, mobile training, day release, online, or a mix of all these options. The course is available at campuses across Greater Brisbane, Darling Downs and South West, Wide Bay Burnett, and North Queensland.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Processing time: Offer letter issued within approximately 1 business days.

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $55,000 to $70,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $70,000 to $90,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $90,000 to $110,000 per year

Career Paths

Mobile Plant MechanicMobile Plant TechnicianMobile Plant FitterHeavy Diesel MechanicField Service Technician (Mobile Plant)

Key Skills

Diagnosing and repairing diesel and compression ignition engines on mobile plant machineryServicing and repairing hydraulic systems, including pumps, cylinders, and control valvesTesting and repairing basic and advanced electrical circuits and wiring harnessesMaintaining and overhauling drivelines, drive assemblies, and torque convertersServicing brake systems including air, hydraulic, and parking brake configurations

Full Course Overview

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