This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification reflects the role of individuals who perform a broad range of tasks on a variety of heavy commercial trailers and associated systems in the automotive retail, service and repair industry.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication.
-
Financial help
-
Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do an apprenticeship.
-
-
Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
-
VET Student Loans are not available
-
You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
-
-
On-the-job training
- Completing this course through an apprenticeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This apprenticeship is available:
-
Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
-
Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through apprenticeship:
4 years
- Through apprenticeship:
-
Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Develop and carry out diagnostic test strategies | Core |
| Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle air braking systems | Core |
| Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle suspension systems | Core |
| Diagnose and repair mechanical connections of heavy vehicles and trailers over 4.5 tonnes | Core |
| Diagnose and repair vehicle dynamic control systems | Core |
| Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace | Core |
| Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace | Core |
| Install vehicle lighting and wiring systems | Core |
| Remove, inspect and refit heavy vehicle wheel and tyre assemblies | Core |
| Test and repair basic electrical circuits | Core |
| Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace | Core |
| Assemble and fit braking system components | Elective |
| Assemble and install pneumatic system components | Elective |
| Balance wheels and tyres | Elective |
| Carry out advanced gas metal arc welding on vehicle body sections | Elective |
| Carry out basic gas metal arc welding | Elective |
| Carry out heavy vehicle wheel alignment operations | Elective |
| Carry out manual metal arc welding on components | Elective |
| Carry out oxyacetylene welding, thermal heating and cutting | Elective |
| Carry out servicing operations | Elective |
| Communicate effectively in an automotive workplace | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair heavy commercial trailer electronically controlled roll stability systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair heavy commercial vehicle electronic braking systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle hydraulic and air over hydraulic braking systems | Elective |
| Diagnose and repair hydraulic systems | Elective |
| Fabricate and install fluid power hose assemblies | Elective |
| Inspect and service air braking systems | Elective |
| Inspect and service braking systems | Elective |
| Inspect and service hydraulic systems | Elective |
| Inspect and service mechanical connections of heavy vehicles and trailers over 4.5 tonnes | Elective |
| Inspect and service suspension systems | Elective |
| Inspect technical quality of work in an automotive workplace | Elective |
| Inspect, service and repair auxiliary braking systems | Elective |
| Install basic ancillary electrical systems and components | Elective |
| Install hydraulic systems to specified applications | Elective |
| Install vehicle components | Elective |
| Read, interpret and apply engineering drawings | Elective |
| Remove, inspect, repair and refit heavy vehicle tyres | Elective |
| Repair wiring harnesses and looms | Elective |
| Respond to customer needs and enquiries in an automotive workplace | Elective |
| Select heavy vehicle tyres, wheels and rims | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Trailer Technology sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
-
Motor Mechanic (General)
ANZSCO 321211
Service and repair vehicles and their parts and systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Diesel Motor Mechanic
ANZSCO 321212
Diesel Motor Mechanics maintain, test and repair diesel motors and the mechanical parts of trucks, buses and other heavy vehicles such as transmissions, suspension, steering and brakes.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Motorcycle Mechanic
ANZSCO 321213
Motorcycle Mechanics maintain, test and repair the mechanical parts of motorcycles.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Small Engine Mechanic
ANZSCO 321214
Small Engine Mechanics maintain, test and repair engines of chainsaws, lawn mowers, garden tractors and other equipment with small engines.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Trailer Technology
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
-
TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
-
BENDIGO REGIONAL INSTITUTE OF TAFE (RTO code 3077)
Contact this provider
-
Quality Automotive Training (RTO code 6194)
Contact this provider
-
THE MTA GROUP TRAINING SCHEMME INC (RTO code 2293)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.