About MTA Institute

An Underbody Technician carries out vehicle servicing, fault diagnosing and the repair of braking, steering and suspension systems, and the inspection, service and repair of passenger light vehicle and 4WD tyres, rims and associated components.

This apprenticeship covers the repair of damage to metal, plastic and fibreglass bodywork on vehicles, and the making and forming of vehicle panels using machines or hand tools.

Specifically, the duties involve determining vehicle damage and recommended repair procedure, removing damaged panels, fixing dents, using mechanical and hydraulic equipment to straighten and realign chassis and body frames, and using oxy-acetylene and welding equipment to cut and join replacement sections or damaged panels.

Heavy Vehicle Mechanics will primarily overhaul, service and repair the mechanical parts of road transport vehicles such as the engine, transmission (clutch, gear box and differential) and the suspension systems (springs, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres).

They will perform tasks including fault discovery and diagnosis procedures. They will repair and service cooling systems, diesel fuel systems, engine forced induction systems and clutch assemblies. They will also overhaul, repair and service engines, transmissions, air braking systems and final drive assemblies, and repair and service steering and suspension systems. Repair of ignition, electronic engine management and electrical systems are also encompassed.

This apprenticeship involves the sales, stock control and administration in relation to automotive replacement parts such as engine, brake and transmission components, batteries, headlights and tyres, as well as vehicle accessories.

This role includes diagnosis procedures to determine faults, the repair and servicing of engines and engine components, petrol fuel systems, emission control systems, clutch assemblies, manual transmissions, drivelines, braking, and steering and suspension systems. It will also include the repair of charging and starting systems, cooling systems, electrical and ignition systems, tyres and tubes and motorcycle frames including alignment.

The apprentice undertaking this role will primarily service the mechanical parts of motor vehicles such as the engine, transmission (clutch, gearbox and differential) and the suspension systems (springs, steering, brakes, wheels and tyres).

Automotive Electricians install, maintain and diagnose faults, and repair electrical wiring and computer-based equipment in cars, trucks, caravans, trailers, earthmoving and agricultural equipment and boats.

Specifically, they diagnose, service and repair faults on electronically controlled vehicle systems such as electronic fuel injection and ignition, anti-lock braking, cruise control and automatic transmissions. In addition, they test, replace, recondition and install equipment such as generators, alternators, starter motors and batteries. They also repair or replace faulty ignitions, electrical wiring, fuses, lamps and switches and use specialised electrical tools and machines.

This course covers the skills and knowledge required to perform a range of tasks relating to servicing and repairing air conditioning components and systems of cars and heavy vehicles. Competent completion of this qualification will enable the learner to apply for an AAC02 Refrigerant handling licence – qualified persons with the Australian Refrigeration Council.

A Mobile Plant Mechanic is involved in servicing, repairing, overhauling and maintaining mobile heavy equipment such as highway transport vehicles, construction and earth moving equipment, tractors and mobile industrial equipment.

This apprenticeship covers the removing of rough spots on vehicle panels, sanding surfaces using hand or power tools, carrying out masking procedures, colour matching and mixing paints, applying primer and finishing coats, and polishing and waxing the finished paint work.