Latest release
Sub-major Group

35 Automotive Technicians and Trades Workers

OSCA - Occupation Standard Classification for Australia
Reference period
2024, Version 1.0

35 Automotive Technicians and Trades Workers

Repair and maintain mechanical, electrical and electronic systems, internal combustion engines, and interiors and exteriors of motor vehicles and other similarly powered equipment.

Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers are excluded from this sub-major group. Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers are included in Minor Group 332 Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this sub-major group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Minor Group

351 Automotive Technicians and Trades Workers

Repair and maintain mechanical, electrical and electronic systems, internal combustion engines, and interiors and exteriors of motor vehicles and other similarly powered equipment.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this minor group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Unit Group

3511 Automotive Technicians (General)

Maintain, test and repair petrol engines and the mechanical parts of lightweight motor vehicles such as transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes.

Electric Vehicle Technicians and Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters are excluded from this unit group. Electric Vehicle Technicians are included in Occupation 351434 Electric Vehicle Technician. Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters are included in Unit Group 8994 Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

351131 Automotive Technician (General)

Maintains, tests and repairs petrol engines and the mechanical parts of lightweight motor vehicles, such as transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes.

Electric Vehicle Technicians and Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters are excluded from this occupation. Electric Vehicle Technicians are included in Occupation 351434 Electric Vehicle Technician. Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters are included in Unit Group 8994 Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitters.

Alternative titles

  • Light Vehicle Mechanic
  • Motor Mechanic (General)

Specialisations

  • Automatic Transmission Mechanic
  • Forklift Technician
  • Roadside Mechanic
  • Vehicle Mechanic (Army)

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Inspects lightweight vehicles to identify mechanical issues and determine the necessary repairs
  • Uses computerised diagnostic tools to identify problems with petrol engines and mechanical parts of motor vehicles
  • Repairs or replaces faulty parts and components of motor vehicles
  • Performs routine maintenance tasks on motor vehicles, such as oil changes and filter replacements
  • Inspects and road tests motor vehicles to ensure they are roadworthy
Unit Group

3512 Automotive Electricians

Install, maintain and repair electrical wiring and electronic components in motor vehicles.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

351231 Automotive Electrician

Installs, maintains and repairs electrical wiring and electronic components in motor vehicles.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Inspects vehicles to identify electrical and electronic faults
  • Tests electrical systems and components to determine the cause of malfunctions in vehicles
  • Maintains, repairs or replaces faulty wiring, switches and other electrical components in vehicles to ensure optimal performance
  • Installs new electrical systems and components in vehicles
  • Uses diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot complex electrical issues with vehicles
  • Reads and interprets electrical diagrams and technical manuals relating to vehicles
Unit Group

3513 Panelbeaters

Repair damage to metal, fibreglass and plastic body work on vehicles, and form replacement vehicle panels.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

351331 Panelbeater

Repairs damage to metal, fibreglass and plastic body work on vehicles, and forms replacement vehicle panels.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative title

  • Collision Repairer

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Assesses vehicle damage and determines the best method of repair
  • Removes damaged panels and parts, and straightens bent frames and panels using hydraulic jacks and pulling devices
  • Fills depressions with body filler, smooths surfaces using sandpaper, and fits and welds replacement panels into place
  • Repaints repaired surfaces using spray guns and other painting equipment
  • Reassembles vehicle parts and checks for proper alignment and functioning
  • Tests repaired vehicles to ensure safety and quality standards are met
Unit Group

3514 Specialist Automotive Technicians

Repair and maintain specialised electrical and internal combustion engines, and mechanical parts such as transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

351431 Agricultural Mechanic

Diagnoses, repairs and maintains agricultural machinery and equipment such as tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems and seeding equipment.

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Diagnoses, repairs and maintains agricultural machinery and equipment such as tractors, harvesters, irrigation systems and seeding equipment
  • Repairs and services engines, transmissions, electrical, hydraulic, air conditioning and other systems
  • Calibrates precision agricultural system and machinery settings for specialised agricultural practices
  • Tests and adjusts vehicle and machinery systems to ensure proper functioning by using diagnostic and digital equipment to identify and troubleshoot issues
  • Provides advice and guidance to farmers and agricultural workers on equipment maintenance and operation
Occupation

351432 Bicycle Technician

Performs diagnostics, repairs, assembly and servicing of electric and regular bicycles and scooters.

Alternative titles

  • Bicycle Mechanic
  • Bicycle Repairer

Specialisation

  • Electric Bike (e-bike) Technician

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Performs advanced diagnostics by identifying and troubleshooting mechanical and electronic issues in bicycles using specialised equipment
  • Assembles bicycles from parts or kits, and modifies bicycles according to customer specifications, including fitting specialised parts
  • Builds bicycle wheels, and fits and maintains tyres
  • Repairs and overhauls bicycle hydraulic braking and drivetrain systems
  • Services and tunes electronic gear shifting systems for high-end bicycles
  • Maintains and repairs electric bicycle and scooter components such as motors, batteries, controllers and wiring
Occupation

351433 Diesel Technician

Maintains, tests and repairs diesel motors, and the mechanical parts of trucks, buses and heavy and lightweight vehicles with diesel engines. These mechanical parts include transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Small diesel marine motor technicians are excluded from this occupation. Small diesel marine motor technicians are included in Occupation 351435 Marine Technician.

Alternative title

  • Diesel Motor Mechanic

Specialisation

  • Automotive Heavy Mechanic

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Inspects diesel motors in heavy and lightweight vehicles, and mechanical parts to identify faults and determine repair requirements
  • Tests and diagnoses faults in diesel motors and mechanical systems using electronic diagnostic equipment, and interprets findings
  • Dismantles and removes engine assemblies, transmissions, steering mechanisms and other components, and checks parts
  • Repairs or replaces worn and faulty parts by welding, bolting, riveting or soldering
  • Reassembles engine components and installs repaired engines in vehicles
  • Adjusts and repairs electrical and mechanical systems such as ignition, fuel injection, and cooling and lubrication systems
  • Tests and adjusts mechanical systems after repairs and servicing
  • Performs routine maintenance such as changing oil, checking batteries, and lubricating equipment and machinery
Occupation

351434 Electric Vehicle Technician

Maintains, tests and repairs electric and hybrid vehicles systems and components, including energy storage systems, traction motors and safety interlocks.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Automotive Electricians are excluded from this occupation. Automotive Electricians are included in Occupation 351231 Automotive Electrician.

Alternative title

  • EV Technician

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Diagnoses and repairs faults in electric vehicle energy storage units and their electronic battery management systems
  • Performs service and maintenance of traction motors
  • Tests and replaces speed control systems
  • Calibrates auxiliary motors and their associated components
  • Inspects and repairs system instrumentation and safety interlocks
  • Maintains, tests and repairs heating and cooling systems for energy storage units
  • Maintains, tests and repairs mechanical systems of electric and hybrid vehicles
Occupation

351435 Marine Technician

Maintains, tests and repairs inboard, outboard and small diesel marine motors, and the mechanical components of vessels, such as jet propulsion systems, fuel systems and electric motors starting and charging systems.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative title

  • Marine Mechanic

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Conducts diagnostic assessments on marine engines and equipment to identify issues and determine the necessary repairs
  • Carries out repair, replacement and maintenance on small marine engines, outboard motors, propulsion systems and other related equipment
  • Installs and configures marine electronics, navigation systems and related equipment, ensuring proper integration
  • Conducts performance tests on marine systems and components to ensure compliance with maritime standards and regulations
Occupation

351436 Motorcycle Technician

Maintains, tests and repairs the mechanical parts of motorcycles.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative title

  • Motorcycle Mechanic

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Inspects motorcycles to identify mechanical issues
  • Tests motorcycles to diagnose problems and determine necessary repairs
  • Uses specialised diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot complex issues with engines, transmissions and electrical components
  • Repairs or replaces faulty and worn-out mechanical parts of motorcycles
  • Adjusts and tunes engines, brakes and other mechanical systems
  • Performs routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes, battery checks and fitting tyres
  • Conducts tests post service or repair to assess motorcycle safety and roadworthiness
Occupation

351437 Small Engine Technician

Maintains, tests and repairs engines of chainsaws, lawnmowers, garden tractors and other equipment with small engines.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Outboard motor mechanics are excluded from this occupation. Outboard motor mechanics are included in Occupation 351435 Marine Technician.

Alternative title

  • Small Engine Mechanic

Specialisation

  • Lawnmower Mechanic

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Inspects small engines to identify faults and determine necessary repairs
  • Performs routine maintenance tasks such as oil changes and filter replacements, and cleans and lubricates engine parts
  • Repairs or replaces defective mechanical parts such as pistons, rings, bearings, valves and carburettors
  • Uses diagnostic equipment to troubleshoot small engine problems
  • Adjusts engine components such as ignition timing and fuel mixture
  • Disassembles small engines and examines parts for defects and wear
  • Reassembles small engines and tests them to ensure proper functioning
Unit Group

3515 Vehicle Body Builders and Trimmers

Manufacture and repair prototype production units and purpose-built vehicle bodies, and install, repair and replace the interior trim of vehicles.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

351531 Vehicle Body Builder

Manufactures and repairs prototype production units and purpose-built vehicle bodies, such as buses, trucks, fire engines and caravans.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative title

  • Vehicle Body Maker

Specialisation

  • Coach Builder

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Reads and interprets engineering drawings and specifications
  • Fabricates and welds metal components to build vehicle bodies
  • Constructs, assembles and installs vehicle body components such as doors, windows and panels
  • Operates machinery and equipment such as cutting and bending machines
  • Repairs and replaces damaged vehicle body parts
  • Conducts quality checks and inspections on finished vehicle bodies
Occupation

351532 Vehicle Trimmer

Installs, repairs and replaces the interior trim of vehicles, such as seats, linings, floor coverings and door trims.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Specialisation

  • Vehicle Upholsterer

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Inspects vehicles for interior trim repairs or replacements needed
  • Repairs or replaces damaged or worn interior trim components
  • Installs new interior trim components such as seats, linings, floor coverings and door trims
  • Cuts and sews fabric or upholstery materials, and applies adhesives or fasteners to fit and secure interior trim components
  • Tests installed interior trim components for proper functionality and appearance
  • Collaborates with other automotive professionals to ensure proper coordination of interior trim installations
Unit Group

3516 Vehicle Painters

Prepare surfaces of vehicles, match and mix colours and apply paint.

OSCA skill level

The occupations in this unit group have a skill level corresponding to the qualifications and experience below.

  • Skill Level 3: AQF Certificate III including at least two years of on-the-job training, AQF Certificate IV, or at least three years of relevant experience
Occupation

351631 Vehicle Painter

Prepares surfaces of vehicles, matches and mixes colours, and applies paint.

Registration or licensing may be required.

Alternative title

  • Vehicle Refinisher

Skill level: 3

Main tasks

  • Prepares surfaces of vehicles for painting by cleaning, sanding and masking
  • Matches and mixes paint colours to vehicle specifications
  • Applies paint to vehicles using spray guns, brushes or rollers, ensuring paint coverage is even and smooth
  • Applies clear coat and other protective finishes to vehicles
  • Inspects painted vehicles for quality and makes any necessary touch-ups or repairs