Automotive Engineer (Heavy Equipment)
Tasks & duties
Heavy equipment automotive engineers may do some or all of the following:
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diagnose vehicle faults and discuss them with vehicle owners
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dismantle engines or other parts
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repair or replace faulty parts
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order replacement parts
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service heavy automotive equipment, such as changing engine oil and adjusting engines, so that vehicles run better
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rebuild engines and other parts
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carry out pre-Certificate of Fitness checks
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test drive vehicles and make any necessary adjustments
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ensure hazardous waste is disposed of appropriately
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attend breakdowns and after hours call outs
Specialisations
Heavy equipment automotive engineers may specialise in areas such as road transport, agriculture equipment, forestry machinery or factory machinery.
Skills & knowledge
Heavy equipment automotive engineers need to have:
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knowledge of vehicle engines and parts
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knowledge of vehicle electronics
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knowledge of Land Transport Safety Authority regulations and safety standards
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mechanical skills including the ability to diagnose mechanical problems
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people and communication skills
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computer skills
Entry requirements
To become a heavy equipment automotive engineer you need to complete an apprenticeship. Apprentices usually specialise in road transport, agriculture equipment, forestry machinery, or factory machinery.
Training is also available in the Australia Army.
Secondary education
At least three years of secondary education with a good standard of English and maths is required.
Tertiary education
Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology. This qualification is part of the Automotive Industry Retail, Service and Repair Training Package. It reflects the role of individuals who perform a broad range of tasks on a variety of heavy commercial vehicles in the automotive service and repair sector.
If you are entering these programs as a trainee or apprentice, you must be employed in the relevant industry prior to enrolment. If you are not an apprentice or trainee, you must obtain permission from the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology before you can enrol.
Training on the job
Skills are gained on the job.
Useful experience
Experience working with vehicles and large machinery, and electrical work is useful. An interest in mechanics and vehicles is also helpful.
Video
Apprentice Diesel Fuel Injection Fitter - Try it for 5
from WA career Centre on you tube
Related courses
Automotive Engineering
Panel Beating
Vehicle Mechanics
For more information, please refer to myfuture.
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