0305 Automotive Engineering and Technology

Automotive Engineering and Technology is the study of planning, designing, developing, producing and maintaining motor vehicles including earth moving equipment, motor cycles and small engines.

The main purpose of this narrow field of education is to develop an understanding of the theory and practice of the design, production and functioning of motor vehicles, vehicle body building, repair, painting and trimming, and maintaining and repairing motor vehicles, earth moving plant, motor cycles and small engines. It also involves developing an ability to organise, cost and complete the tasks required in the design, construction and maintenance of motor vehicles.

Courses in Narrow Field 0305 Automotive Engineering and Technology develop skills in:

• designing and developing motor vehicles, earth moving equipment, small engines and their components
• diagnosing faults in, servicing and repairing mechanical and electrical automotive systems and components
• interpreting and applying standards to the design of motor vehicles and components
• testing and evaluating vehicle performance and safety
• utilising the structural properties of materials for vehicle building

This narrow field comprises the following detailed fields:

030501  Automotive Engineering
030503  Vehicle Mechanics
030505  Automotive Electrics and Electronics
030507  Automotive Vehicle Refinishing
030509  Automotive Body Construction
030511  Panel Beating
030513  Upholstery and Vehicle Trimming
030515  Automotive Vehicle Operations
030599  Automotive Engineering and Technology, n.e.c.

Automotive Engineering is the study of designing, developing and testing motor vehicles, earth moving equipment, small engines and their components.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• engineering mathematics and science in automotive practices
• motor vehicle components and design standards
• vehicle performance and safety testing and evaluation

Vehicle Mechanics is the study of maintaining, diagnosing faults in, repairing and servicing motor vehicles and their components and small engines in boats, motorcycles, lawnmowers, generators and related equipment.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• automotive fitting and turning
• exhaust emission control systems
• tuning engines
• automotive air conditioning
• suspension, steering and brake systems
• tyre fitting and wheel alignments

Automotive Electrics and Electronics is the study of installing, maintaining and repairing electrical wiring and electronic components in motor vehicles, boats and earth moving equipment.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• engine control systems and timing adjustment
• electrical and electronic equipment installation and repair
• automotive security systems and other electronic accessories
• electrical and electronic malfunction detection techniques
• batteries and charging principles
• vehicle lighting systems

Automotive Vehicle Refinishing is the study of preparing vehicle surfaces, mixing and matching paint colours, spray painting and detailing motor vehicles and aircraft.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• metallic and non-metallic paint technology
• protective mouldings, transfers and stet
• anti-corrosion treatment 
• painted and unpainted surface preparation
• spraying techniques
• spot repairs (major and minor)

Automotive Body Construction is the study of building bodies for motor vehicles, trailers, buses, and railway rolling stock.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• body structure
• framework construction techniques
• attaching panels to frameworks

Aircraft body construction. This is included in Detailed Field 031503 Aircraft Maintenance Engineering.

Panel Beating is the study of repairing damaged motor vehicle bodies and replacing panels.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• damage and cost assessment
• panelbeating equipment
• panel section replacement
• forming custom panels

Windscreen glazing. This is included in Detailed Field 040323 Glazing.

Upholstery and Vehicle Trimming is the study of making, installing, repairing and replacing the interior trimmings and upholstery of motor vehicles, boats, aircraft and railway carriages.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• vehicle trimming principles
• seat cover repairs and manufacture
• canopy, tonneau covers, seat and squab production

Automotive Vehicle Operations is the study of driving motor vehicles including motor cycles, trucks and buses.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• advanced driver training
• motor vehicle handling
• road rules and defensive driving techniques

Driving instructor training. This is included in Detailed Field 079999 Education, n.e.c.

This detailed field includes all Automotive Engineering and Technology not elsewhere classified.

Examples of subjects in this detailed field include:

• manufacturing and repairing bicycles
• automotive parts interpreting