Plant Mechanic Courses
A Plant Mechanic repairs and maintains heavy machinery, conducts inspections, sources parts, and works in workshops or on-site.
AI Exposure
Low
Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Plant Mechanic
Get qualified to work as a Plant Mechanic with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
RII30820
Duration
3 months - 3 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Traineeship
Get started in civil construction with the RII30820 Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations. This nationally recognised training course accompanies an apprenticeship and teaches you how to work safely on a civil construction site. The course covers levelling, trenches, concreting, earthworks — and you’ll also have the opportunity to learn how to operate a range of heavy vehicles (depending on your chosen electives) including backhoes, graders, dozers, and excavators. Enquire now for more in...
Career opportunities
Duration
3 months - 3 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, Distance, On Campus, Traineeship
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MEM30219
Duration
12 weeks - 4 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
The Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (MEM30219) is for trade apprentices (fitters and turners, toolmakers, metal machinists) or anyone needing an entry point into mechanical engineering. It’s a nationally recognised qualification that will teach you how to work in a manufacturing or engineering environment — performing complex measurements and working to quality standards. Enquire now for information about career outcomes and opportunities for enrolment.
Career opportunities
Duration
12 weeks - 4 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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MEM40119
Duration
6 weeks - 4 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Become a trade qualified engineer with the MEM40119 Certificate IV in Engineering. This nationally recognised training course begins with basic engineering trade skills: reading technical drawings, taking engineering measurements, performing computations, working safely in engineering, planning and completing work tasks, using hand tools and computing technologies. You’ll then begin ferrous (and non-ferrous) melting and casting operations, testing foundry related materials, advanced welding to code standa...
Career opportunities
Duration
6 weeks - 4 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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AUR31220
Duration
12 months - 4 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Level up your career as an auto-mechanic and get the skills you need to work on earthmoving machinery, excavators, cranes, hoists and other mobile plant. The AUR31220 Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology is a nationally recognised qualification that will teach you how to safely diagnose and repair compression ignition engines, electrical circuits, diesel fuel injection systems, and a range of steering, hydraulic, and braking systems (on heavy machinery).
Enquire now for the full list of study units ...
Career opportunities
Duration
12 months - 4 years
Study mode
Apprenticeship, Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Plant Mechanic.
Common questions
How much does a Plant Mechanic earn?
In Australia, a full time Plant Mechanic generally earns $1,135 per week ($59,020 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.
What are the job opportunities for a Plant Mechanic?
The number of people working in this industry has dropped slightly in recent years. There are currently 62,000 people working as a Plant Mechanic in Australia compared to 68,800 five years ago. Plant Mechanics may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights
How do I become a Plant Mechanic?
If a career as a Plant Mechanic interests you, enrol in a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade. This course will give you the basic skills to get started in a manufacturing or engineering environment. You could also consider a Certificate IV in Engineering (Instrumentation) or a Certificate IV in Engineering (Maintenance).
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More information
A Plant Mechanic conducts repairs and maintenance on heavy machinery such as agricultural or industrial equipment. You’ll perform routine servicing and conduct inspections and you may have to source replacement parts when required. Plant Mechanics may specialise in a particular type of work such as a hydraulic technician or a pneumatic technician. You might spend most of your day in a workshop or may have to attend to plant equipment on site.
Plant Mechanics should be highly skilled and able to adapt their skills to a range of machinery and equipment. You’ll need to be a good problem solver and be able to sort out issues quickly. Plant Mechanics work as part of a larger team so communication is important. You’ll need to be able to follow directions and work on location when required.
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