Car Mechanic Qualifications and Training/Courses in SA?

[DaveGLD]

Hi all, I'm looking at expanding my mechanical know-how beyond the backyarder level and was wondering about qualification requirements for car mechanics here in SA. I am hoping to start doing some minor vehicle servicing work and minor mechanical repairs. But before I do, I was hoping that some of you in the know could please help me answer a few questions:

- Is there a licensing/registration system for mechanics? (NSW for example requires all mechanics to be licensed etc). Or can any old Joe set up shop as a mechanic and start doing repairs?
- Is there a minimum qualification required for someone to start doing vehicle servicing work? Something like a certificate/diploma or is it expected that any mechanic would have done an apprenticeship?
- Does anyone know of any short courses, night courses or online courses here in Adelaide that would give these qualifications? (I'm currently working full time so day courses are out).

A few years ago I completed my Advanced Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Design and have also done a diploma of mechanical engineering drafting - I'm not sure if these would count for anything as those courses covered a fair bit of theory on how engines work as well as some basic machining/welding courses. I've been servicing my own vehicles (and everyone elses in my family) for years and have been pulling my own apart since I was 14 - I've done almost everything from head rebuilds to respray work so I would consider my mechanical know how to be 'good' - but I'm by no means an expert and would obviously want to make sure everything is above board before I start offering to do oil changes and servicing for other people!

Any advice would be appreciated. Thankyou all in advance!

[AdamD]

Maybe Miro (Transporter) can offer some info? Might be worth PMing him.

[Umai Naa!!]

You'll definately need to be licensed and qualified prior to commencig trade.

How you gain your qualifications might be something you'll need to speak to TAFE about. Not sure about SA, but in NSW you need a Certificate III in Light Vehicle Servicing and Repair. Normally to obtain this, you'd need to be indentured in a 4 year apprenticeship at a licensed workshop, full time (including TAFE one day a week, or one full week on block). Once this has been completed, you should in theory, be able to obtain a repairer's license. Although, you may be required to hold a trade license for a period of time before you can.

It ain't cheap, let me tell you. The repairer's license is $650 on it's own with an annual renwal fee of $200-ish, the trade license is $60-ish from memory, then there's business name registration, ABN registration, public liability and indenity insurance, etc. I don't know what the TAFE fees would be, because it's been about 8 years since I completed my apprenticeship, and they've probably gone through the roof. But they are tax-deductable.

As I said intially, you'll really need to speak to TAFE about your qualifications. Previous qualifications, mature age, and the like may work in your favor. Although, be prepared to endure classtime with a bunch of teenagers who are just along for the ride, taking their jobs for granted, no doubt.

[DaveGLD]

Thanks very much for the replies gents, i'll get in touch with Tafe and take it from there. There are a few courses I have found, this one looks good - certificate II in 13 weeks:

Certificate II in Automotive Vehicle Servicing NAU23

But Box Hill is a long way from Adelaide and as accomodating as my boss is, I doubt I'd get 13 weeks leave approved!

This one from open colleges seems to be the only online course:
Fundamentals of Auto Mechanics Course | Open Colleges Cengage Education

But I'm not sure what qualifications value an 'open colleges certificate' holds, and I think it really is something that you need some hands on training for.

Cheers again.