Motor mechanics fix, maintain, reassemble, restore and overhaul the mechanical parts of motor vehicles, including the engine, transmission and suspension systems.
In short, they keep our cars and trucks on the road and help maintain the transport system that is vital to the functioning of society as a whole.
But the National Skills Commission’s latest jobs survey ranks motor mechanics as one of the top five occupations that employers are finding it hardest to fill.
Also, in Western Australia, the state government has given the profession of motor mechanic a number 1 ranking on its annual State Priority Occupation List. Among other things, this List informs workforce development planning, the development of the State Training Plan (which guides the funding of training programs), and the skilled migration occupation list (WASMOL).
Most mechanics have completed a Certificate III/IV in relevant automotive servicing courses. Some have gone on to get a Diploma.
The Apeiro Institute (Perth and now Melbourne) offers a 2-year full-time Certificate III/IV + Diploma package. They have regular intakes throughout the year and tuition fees for the whole package are an affordable A$24,000.