Informed Choices - Heavy Automotive and Plant

Communication skills

• Understanding verbal directions from supervisors and peers, and seeking clarification when instructions are unclear
• Speaking clearly, respectfully and professionally, including explaining issues, repairs, and progress to colleagues or customers, and raising relevant concerns
• Using digital communication tools (workshop systems, emails or texts) to communicate job details or updates
• Using eye contact, body language, and active listening, reading cues from others and safety signals to support teamwork and safety
• Using appropriate non-verbal communication (e.g., body language and facial expressions)
• Working effectively with team members, sharing ideas, and contributing to group discussions.

Observational skills

• Strong attention to detail (e.g., identifying small signs of wear, damage or malfunction before issues worsen)
• Using sight, sound and touch to detect faults (e.g., unusual noises, vibrations or leaks), recognising patterns in diagnostic data and noticing discrepancies between vehicle behaviour and manufacturer specifications
• Attention to workplace safety and spotting hazards (e.g., spills, faulty tools, repetitive tasks), and ensuring PPE and workshop safety protocols are followed
• Monitoring repairs to ensure they meet standards, specifications, and customer expectations
• Using tools correctly and identifying wear or faults that may impact safety or quality
• Detecting unusual sounds that indicate malfunctions

Technical and/or motor skills

• Ability to use hand and power tools, advanced diagnostic and specialised equipment to complete tasks
• Performing safety checks to ensure vehicles/machines meet regulatory requirements and comply with roadworthiness and manufacturer standards
• Ability to service, diagnose and repair systems such as engines, suspension, electrical systems, exhaust, cooling/heating, steering and brakes
• Understanding electrical principles (Ohm’s Law, voltage), reading schematics and wiring diagrams, and repairing or replacing components and circuits
• Manual dexterity and precision — steady hands and hand-eye coordination for intricate tasks, soldering, assembling and installing with attention to detail
• Working with advanced electrical systems, including hybrid and electric high-voltage systems, electric power steering, regenerative braking and ADAS

Cognitive /intellectual skills

• Critical thinking and problem-solving — analyse, troubleshoot and diagnose complex problems using logical reasoning, developing safe and cost-effective strategies
• Analytical and conceptual thinking — analyse diagnostic results, interpret technical data, break down complex tasks, understand system interactions and recognise patterns
• Memory and retention — retain technical information, procedures, vehicle models/specifications, safety protocols and new technologies
• Keeping up with new systems and emerging technology (hybrid, autonomous, EV) and adapting to new tools, equipment, software and diverse work settings
• Time management and task prioritisation — balance multiple jobs, prioritise urgent issues and meet deadlines without compromising quality
• Understanding technical documentation, including manuals, wiring diagrams, service bulletins and schematics
• Applying formulas (Ohm’s Law) and basic maths to measure, calculate, work within tolerances and convert units accurately
• Using systematic and logical steps to troubleshoot issues and follow procedures

Physical demands

• Working in varied environments, including hot, cold or noisy workshops
• Performing repetitive or physically demanding tasks over extended periods
• Working in confined spaces, under vehicles or inside engine bays
• Reaching and bending into vehicle cavities requires flexibility and mobility
• Lifting or moving equipment and heavy items
• Kneeling or crouching for extended periods
• Precision work with small parts in tight spaces that require a high degree of control and accuracy
• Using diagnostic tools with steady, precise movements

Reading 

• Ability to interpret safety signs, workplace procedures and emergency instructions
• Reading and interpreting workshop manuals, component and tool specifications, step-by-step instructions and technical diagrams.
• Understanding safety information and procedures, including safety data sheets, signs, risk assessments and WHS policies and procedures
• Following written work instructions (job cards, work orders, checklists, task breakdowns)
• Reading and interpreting diagnostic reports and technical terminology
• Comprehending parts catalogues, specifications and maintenance schedules
• Understanding regulations, compliance documents and written training material

Writing

• Completing workplace documentation legibly and accurately (job cards, work orders, service reports, logs, checklists, incident reports)
• Documenting diagrams, schematics, safety checks and part numbers.
• Taking notes during diagnostics, troubleshooting and repairs.
• Completing training assessments in full, including all written components, signatures and student numbers.
• Writing clearly and legibly

Oral communication

• Following strict safety-related and technical work processes and compliance instructions
• Discussing diagnostics and repairs, including results, solutions and step-by-step procedures.
• Asking questions and seeking clarification when needed.
• Collaborating with team members for tasks and participating in meetings, activities and discussions
• Explain safety procedures and practices
• Providing and receiving feedback and verbal instructions
• Communicating with customers or colleagues using clear, accessible language without jargon
• Active listening to understand customer issues and supervisor instructions
• Speak professionally and respectfully with customers, and provide updates and manage expectations
• Technical communication using correct terminology with suppliers or support teams.
• Team communication — coordinating tasks, reporting safety issues, delays or shortages.

Numeracy and mathematical

• Accurately using and reading scales and precision measurement tools (metric and imperial)
• Understanding measurements, gauges and calculating safe operating parameters (torque, fluid levels)
• Troubleshooting using diagnostic tools
• Assessing and calculating torque, fluid volume, mixtures, tyre and brake measurements and fuel efficiency
• Calculating electrical values (battery capacity, resistance, wire/fuse size, voltage drop, current flow)
• Interpreting diagnostic data, specifications and diagrams
• Measuring alignment and calculating repair times
• Understanding mechanical/electrical systems using formulas and Ohm’s Law
• Applying electrical safety standards

Technology

• Using digital diagnostic software, testing equipment, electronic manuals, data logging tools and OBD systems
• Using electronic tools for precision measurements
• Working with computerised vehicle systems, specialised software, calibration tools and programming modules
• Using digital catalogues and online ordering systems
• Accessing manufacturer repair guides and online databases
• Managing electronic work orders and digital documentation
• Understanding hybrid/EV systems, ADAS and modern vehicle technologies
• Using specialised equipment (balancing machines, hydraulic tools, laser alignment systems, oscilloscopes)
• Operating digital battery testers and electrical safety tools
• Staying up to date with technological advancements
• Hands-on use of repair technology (soldering, splicing, harness/connector repair)
• Continuous learning and keeping up with new tools and systems

Learning

• Comfortable learning complex systems (diesel, electric schematics, hydraulics, transmissions)
• Taking accountability for own learning and following the SMTAFE code of conduct
• Preparing for courses, completing pre-reading and study
• Reading and applying manuals, repair guides, diagrams, SDS and terminology
• Following written and verbal directions accurately
• Using logical thinking and  experience to solve problems
• Participating in hands-on and theoretical training
• Using digital learning tools, researching and completing online modules
• Recording learning and progress (logbooks, job cards, journals)
• Communicating learning needs and asking for help
• Engaging in ongoing learning and upskilling

Teamwork

• Collaboration — assisting team members and completing tasks efficiently
• Clear communication — sharing updates, part availability and safety concerns
• Reliability and accountability — showing up prepared, completing tasks and taking responsibility
• Cooperating respectfully, giving and receiving feedback
• Adaptability to changing priorities or roles
• Conflict resolution — handling disagreements professionally
• Following safety protocols and reporting hazards
• Ensuring all team members are responsible for their own learning

Problem solving

• Staying safe by following procedures
• Handling harsh conditions and worn vehicles
• Managing time — prioritising tasks, meeting deadlines and explaining repair options
• Understanding and interpreting manuals, diagrams and OEM specifications
• Using tools effectively and spotting wear early
• Diagnosing faults using tools and data
• Using logical thinking to solve unusual or complex issues
• Repairing engines, transmissions, fuel, suspension, steering and electrical systems
• Fixing electrical faults — batteries, wiring, sensors and control units
• Adapting and collaborating with others to solve complex problems
• Working under pressure and thinking critically in time-sensitive situations
• Adapting to vehicle-specific needs and uncommon models

Planning and organising

• Prioritising tasks based on urgency and complexity
• Managing time effectively and planning tasks to meet deadlines
• Organising parts, tools and equipment and tracking availability
• Scheduling jobs to balance workload
• Coordinating with customers for drop-offs and pick-ups
• Maintaining tools and equipment and planning regular checks
• Keeping a clean and organised workshop
• Managing parts and inventory
• Planning job sequences and completing them on time
• Communicating timelines and delays to customers
• Scheduling and organising routine maintenance and preventative work
• Conducting inspections, testing and quality control checks
• Adjusting plans as needed for workflow changes
• Maintaining detailed repair records and diagnostic reports
• Planning safety measures and ensuring safety protocols are followed

Self-management 

• Showing up prepared and following through on commitments
• Safety awareness to follow protocols and use PPE responsibly
• Completing tasks thoroughly with attention to detail
• Time management  (planning work, meeting deadlines and using downtime productively)
• Staying flexible, calm and positive under pressure
• Keeping tools and workspaces tidy
• Being proactive, setting goals and taking responsibility for learning
• Professional conduct — interacting respectfully and following workplace rules
• Managing emotions, listening actively and resolving issues calmly

All heavy automotive and plant certificate III qualifications must be completed as employment-based training. You will need to be employed as an apprentice with a signed training contract.

Heavy automotive and plant certificate II qualifications typically include a work experience component and must be completed in a field that is relevant to the qualification being studied.

Follow all workplace policies, procedures and safety advice when conducting work tasks, including:

Safe work practices 

• Follow safety protocols and wear appropriate personal protective equipment (e.g. welding masks, rated gloves when working with BEVs)
• Use tools in a manner that minimises strain and prevents repetitive or musculoskeletal injuries
• Have an awareness of body posture and movements to avoid strain or injury when assembling and disassembling heavy parts and components (e.g. pistons in heavy automotive weigh ~15kg)
• Practice safe and proper lifting techniques to avoid injuries, including safely operating vehicle lifts and hoists
• Perform physically demanding tasks safely (lifting/handling heavy components, operating lifting equipment)
• Implementing the duty of care for yourself and others when on site at SM TAFE sites

Electrical and hazardous materials safety

• Understand how to safely handle live wires, disconnect batteries and use insulated tools
• Handle, store and dispose of hazardous materials according to SDS requirements

Risk Management and Compliance

• Conduct risk assessments (formal or informal, e.g. Take 5) before starting each work task
• Comply with WHS regulations
• Follow all directions and safety signs 

Vision Requirements

• Having good vision is essential to identify small parts, read gauges, interpret diagrams and wiring, check alignments and spot signs of wear, corrosion or damage
• Ability to detect faults that may not be obvious and to identify wire colours

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