Trades & Services
Heavy Vehicle Mechanic
Heavy vehicle mechanics repair, maintain and test heavy vehicles, other engines and related mechanical components.
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Entry-level education
Apprenticeship
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Job outlook
What does a Heavy Vehicle Mechanic do?
Heavy vehicle mechanics repair, maintain and test heavy vehicles, other engines and related mechanical components. Heavy vehicle mechanics work on trucks, buses, agricultural machinery, construction and earthmoving equipment, generators, pumps, compressors and drilling rigs.
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Work activities
As a heavy vehicle mechanic, you might perform the following tasks:
- work on the repair, tuning, maintenance and testing of a range of heavy vehicles
- inspect engines, gearboxes, electrical and electronic systems and hydraulics to identify faults for repair
- repair and reassemble parts, and test them to make sure they are working properly
- carry out routine servicing of vehicles both on-site and in a workshop
- use a variety of tools and welding equipment, electrical testing equipment and lifting equipment
- hand-fitting or machining processes to replace or repair faulty parts.
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Key skills and interests
To become a heavy vehicle mechanic, you would need:
- practical mechanical skills
- an understanding of technology and systems used in heavy vehicles
- a methodical approach to solving problems
- an awareness of health and safety issues
- a reasonable level of fitness
- good communication skills to explain problems.
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Working hours and conditions
Working Hours
You would normally work a standard number of hours, Monday to Friday. Overtime is common, including weekends.
Conditions
Your time would be split between a workshop and sitework. This job can be physically demanding and some of your work may be underground or at heights, for instance when repairing cranes.
You may have to work in regional areas or away from home for periods when repairing agricultural, construction, heavy transport and mining machinery.
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How to become an Heavy Vehicle Mechanic?
Entry Level Education
To become a heavy vehicle mechanic you usually have to complete an apprenticeship in Agricultural Mechanical Technology, Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology or Mobile Plant Technology. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require junior secondary school certificate or equivalent.
Depending on the State in which you live, you may need to be certified by the appropriate government body, have a motor vehicle repair licence or work under the supervision of a licensed repairer.
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Job outlook
Employment of heavy vehicle mechanics is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Employment growth of heavy vehicle mechanics will be spurred mainly by increased construction activity, and the amount of activity in the mining industry. Population and business growth will result in the construction of more houses, office buildings, roads, bridges, and other structures.
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