Careers in the automotive industry
Australia is one of only a few countries that has the facilities to design and produce a car from sheet steel to dealer sale. The industry is supported more than 100,000 separate businesses that create 400,000 jobs and career paths for individuals.
The industry collectively contributes more than $1.5 billion to the Australian economy each year and has an impressive history in exporting high-quality automotive products to a global market. The industry has many areas of specialisation and these have helped build high-level trade and operational skills for many employees over the industry’s 100-year history in Australia.
When thinking about training for a career in automotive it is worth noting that there are more than 30,000 people undertaking automotive trade training programs each year. It’s a great industry with a broad range of options and career paths.
Looking to the future, the industry will need a comprehensive range of skilled personnel in design, manufacturing, sales and distribution, repair and servicing of passenger and commercial vehicles, heavy machinery, outdoor power
What jobs are in the automotive industry?
The automotive industry employs motor mechanics, auto electricians, spray painters, vehicle builders and body repairers. However, it also needs a range of other occupations, including:
- Car and parts sales people
- Production managers
- Business and office administrators
- Warehousing and logistic staff
- Human resource and training managers
- Designers
- Engineers
The automotive industry offers work in a high tech, innovative and rapidly changing environment. It requires highly motivated employees who are able to assist automotive manufacturers, retailers and service businesses meet the demand for vehicles and components that:
- Are environmentally friendly
- Incorporate the latest automotive technologies
- Are fuel efficient
- Are safer
How can you start a career in the automotive industry?
There are many ways of starting a career in the automotive industry. The following information shows some of the education and training options that are available.
Enrol in AUR10105 Certificate I Automotive. This will help you develop basic industry skills and broaden your understanding of the automotive industry in Australia. This qualification will lead on to further training that may be completed at a TAFE institute or private Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Enrol in an automotive school based apprenticeship/traineeship. This would enable you to gain further automotive competencies while completing your senior school certificate. Some of the automotive qualifications in which school based apprenticeships/traineeships are available, include:
- AUR20205 Certificate II in Automotive Aftermarket Manufacturing
- AUR20305 Certificate II in Bicycles
- AUR20405 Certificate II in Automotive Electrical Technology
- AUR20505 Certificate II in Automotive Vehicle Servicing
- AUR20605 Certificate II in Marine
- AUR20705 Certificate II in Automotive Mechanical
- AUR20805 Certificate II in Outdoor Power Equipment
- AUR20905 Certificate II in Automotive Vehicle Body
- AUR21005 Certificate II in Motor Sport
- AUR21105 Certificate II in Automotive Sales
- AUR21205 Certificate II in Automotive Warehousing/Distribution Operations
- AUR30405 Certificate III in Automotive Mechanical Technology
Undertake an apprenticeship in the automotive industry. Australian Apprenticeships cover both apprenticeships and traineeships. Australian Apprenticeships are jobs that combine paid work and structured training. With an Australian Apprenticeship you spend time in paid employment, learning practical skills on-the-job and putting them into practice. Structured training can be done either on-the-job or off-the-job training at a TAFE or another Registered Training Organisation (RTO). At the end of it, you can get a nationally recognised qualification. Apprenticeships generally last between 36 to 48 months. Traineeships generally take between 12 to 24 months to complete. Australian Apprenticeships are available in the following areas in the automotive industry:
- Mechanical
- Vehicle body
- Administration
- Electrical
- Automotive manufacturing
- Outdoor power equipment
- Sales
- Bicycles
- Marine
Complete a higher-level technical qualification. This will give you advanced skills that are required in the manufacturing and retail, service and repair sectors of the automotive industry. You might consider enrolling in either a Certificate IV or Diploma in:
- Automotive Manufacturing
- Automotive – Business Management
- Automotive – Technical
Alternatively, you may consider a university course that focuses on the automotive industry as a future career path. This includes studies in engineering, electronics, business, human resources, information technology, and public relations.
So get your career search into gear and talk to your careers teacher today or contact Auto Skills Australia for further information.
