The Automotive industry employs 12,600 South Australians, which is 1.5% of the State’s workforce. More than 2,000 jobs are expected to open up over the next five years due to industry growth and replacement of people who will retire. Not surprisingly, most of the people working in the Automotive industry repair and maintain vehicles, mostly cars and trucks. There are jobs everywhere in South Australia, but most of the jobs are in the northern and southern metropolitan areas.

1. Automotive
Employment prospects Quick facts about this industry If you are at school
The Automotive industry employs • Almost everyone works full-time. For vocational education in SACE, ask your
12,600 South Australians, which is VET coordinator at school, and visit
1.5% of the State’s workforce. • The majority of people have a Certificate III qualification or higher. www.sace.sa.edu.au to check the VET
recognition register. Check the following
More than 2,000 jobs are expected to open
• ost workers in this industry are men – but there is a growing number
M industries to see which qualifications can be
up over the next five years due to industry
of women and plenty of opportunities. recognised in the SACE. Some of the
growth and replacement of people who will
Certificate III qualifications may be available
retire. Not surprisingly, most of the people
working in the Automotive industry repair and
• eople working in the Automotive industry are generally younger than
P for Training Guarantee for SACE Students.
maintain vehicles, mostly cars and trucks. in other industries. • Automotive
If you are thinking about VET,
There are jobs everywhere in South Australia, • o work in this industry you need to be physically fit, enjoy working
T vocational qualifications include:
but most of the jobs are in the northern
with hand tools and solving mechanical problems. • Certificate I in Automotive
and southern metropolitan areas.
• ertificate II and III in Automotive Administration
C
• he majority of Motor Mechanics, Auto Electricians and Panel Beaters
T
• Certificate II and III in Bicycles
earn between $400 and $800 per week. • ertificate II and III in Automotive
C
Mechanical or Electrical Technology
• ertificate III in Automotive
C
Retail, Service and Repair
• Certificate II and III in Marine
• Certificate II, III, IV and Diploma in Motorsport
• ertificate IV and Diploma in
C
Automotive Management
• ertificate IV and Diploma in
C
Top job openings Automotive Technology
Motor Mechanics • ertificate IV in Automotive
C
Vehicle Painters Performance Enhancement.
Vehicle Body Builders and Trimmers For more information about the qualifications
Automotive Electricians and where to go, check the job guide:
Panel Beaters www.jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au
Check www.skills.sa.gov.au to see what
courses are available under Skills for All.
skills.sa.gov.au 1800 506 266 16

2. If you are thinking about university, Motor Mechanics may progress to positions Occupations in this industry include:
degrees include: such as service manager, service adviser, Automotive Electricians
• Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) technical sales representative, technical Brake Mechanics
officer or diagnostic specialist. Engine Reconditioners
Check the three South Australian university
Motor Mechanics.
websites and South Australian Tertiary Occupations in this industry include:
Admissions Centre (SATAC) listed at the front Panel beaters
Motor Mechanics
of this guide. For more information about the Panel beaters repair damage to metal,
Automotive Air-conditioning
qualifications and where to go, check the job plastic and fibreglass bodywork on
Fitters
guide: www.jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au vehicles. They also make and form vehicle
Engine Reconditioners
panels using machines or hand tools.
Brake Mechanics
Occupations in this industry
Automotive Electricians Occupations in this industry include:
Light vehicles Car Detailers
Motor Mechanics for light vehicles service, Panel Beaters
Bicycle Mechanics
repair and overhaul the mechanical parts Vehicle Painters
Marine Mechanics.
of motor vehicles, such as the engine, the Vehicle Body Builders and Trimmers.
Heavy vehicles
transmission (clutch, gear box and differential),
A Motor Mechanic for heavy vehicles repairs
and the suspension systems (springs,
maintains and tests heavy vehicles, other engines
steering, brakes, wheels and tyres). Occupations in this
and related mechanical components. This
With the changes in automotive technology, involves diagnosing, overhauling, repairing, industry link to the:
there are now more electronic controls and tuning, maintaining and testing diesel and • Transport and Storage industry
computers fitted to vehicles. As a result, Motor petrol/gas-powered vehicles, including trucks, • Metals and Engineering industry
Mechanics are becoming more specialised buses, bulldozers and other earthmoving • Mining industry
and technical in their areas of work. equipment, tractors, stationary engines
• Manufacturing industry Need more info?
(eg generators, pumps, compressors and
Motor Mechanics may specialise as • Agriculture and Fishing industry.
drilling rigs) and agricultural machinery. Manufacturing Skills Australia
Automotive Air-conditioning Fitters, Brake
www.makeit.net.au
Mechanics or Automotive Electricians. Mechanics for heavy vehicles are more
likely to be working in country areas. Manufacturing Industry Skills Advisory Council
They may also specialise as breakdown – Automotive careers
service patrol officers who give www.makeit.net.au/01_start_out_pathways.php
emergency mechanical assistance to Manufacturing Industry Skills Advisory Council
members of an automobile association. - Infosheets
www.makeit.net.au/01_start_out_infosheets.html
www.thejoboutlook.gov.au
www.jobguide.thegoodguides.com.au
Career information about specific occupations has been sourced from www.myfuture.com.au and industry skills bodies. South Australian labour market
information has been sourced from ABS Catalogue 6291.0.55.003 Labour Force, average of 4 quarters to November quarter 2011. South Australian
information on Age, Region and Income has been sourced from the Australian Census of Population and Housing 2006. Job Openings information is sourced 17
from the South Australian Training and Skills Commission, (unpublished) 2011.© Copyright 2012 Minister for Employment, Higher Education and Skills