Program Overview

Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Trailer Technology

Course Overview

Upgrade your career in the heavy commercial trailer industry with this mid-level qualification. You will develop broad technical knowledge and practical skills that will set you apart.

According to the Australian Government's Job Outlook service, demand for qualified mechanics grew strongly over the past five years with employers finding it hard to fill vacancies. Job openings are expected to remain steady in the near future with around 23,000 job opening expected over the next five years.

This specialised course will elevate your skills in an industry where employers are increasingly requiring technical expertise and specific knowledge. You will develop a broad range of practical skills required to service and repair heavy commercial trailer components including wheel and tyre assembly, electrical circuits, lighting and wiring systems, air-braking system, hydraulic systems, suspension systems, dynamic control systems, and mechanical connections.

Completion of this qualification will give you the skills needed to service and repair trailers used on heavy vehicles. It will also contribute to the qualification requirements needed to apply for heavy vehicle inspection and modification approval through the Department of Transport and Main Roads Approved Persons and Approved examiner schemes.

What Can I Do?

• Specialist Trailer Technician
• Heavy Commercial Trailer Technician

Course Outcome

AUR31820 Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Trailer Technology

Trade Skills Assessment and Gap Training Program

If you can demonstrate substantial competency in this qualification, you may be able to access funding for recognition of prior learning and gap training through the Trade Skills and Assessment Gap Training (TSAGT) program. TAFE Queensland is a proud recipient of funding from the Queensland Government, Department of Trade, Employment and Training (DTET) for this program. Only eligible participants may receive funding for eligible courses.

Free Apprenticeships for Under 25s

The Queensland government is supporting young Queenslanders up to the age of 25 by providing access to fully subsidised training across a range of priority apprenticeship or traineeship qualifications.

What You Will Study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all core and 17 elective units from the list below.

Core Units

• AURAEA002: Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace
• AURASA102: Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace
• AURETR009: Install vehicle lighting and wiring systems
• AURETR112: Test and repair basic electrical circuits
• AURETR122: Diagnose and repair vehicle dynamic control systems
• AURHTB101: Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle air braking systems
• AURHTD103: Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle suspension systems
• AURHTJ103: Remove, inspect and refit heavy vehicle wheel and tyre assemblies
• AURHTY102: Diagnose and repair mechanical connections of heavy vehicles and trailers over 4.5 tonnes
• AURTTA118: Develop and carry out diagnostic test strategies
• AURTTK102: Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace

Elective Units

• AURACA101: Respond to customer needs and enquiries in an automotive workplace
• AURAFA103: Communicate effectively in an automotive workplace
• AURATA002: Read, interpret and apply engineering drawings
• AURETK002: Use and maintain electrical test equipment in an automotive workplace
• AURETR010: Repair wiring harnesses and looms
• AURETR011: Install basic ancillary electrical systems and components
• AURETR125: Test, charge and replace batteries and jump-start vehicles
• AURHTB002: Diagnose and repair heavy vehicle hydraulic and air over hydraulic braking systems
• AURHTB107: Diagnose and repair heavy commercial vehicle electronic braking systems
• AURHTD104: Carry out heavy vehicle wheel alignment operations
• AURHTJ102: Select heavy vehicle tyres, wheels and rims
• AURKTA111: Diagnose and repair mobile plant hydraulic systems
• AURTTA006: Inspect and service hydraulic systems
• AURTTA012: Fabricate and install fluid power hose assemblies
• AURTTA014: Assemble and install pneumatic system components
• AURTTA017: Carry out vehicle safety inspections
• AURTTA104: Carry out servicing operations
• AURTTA105: Select and use bearings, seals, gaskets, sealants and adhesives
• AURTTA113: Diagnose and repair hydraulic systems
• AURTTB004: Inspect and service air braking systems
• AURTTB101: Inspect and service braking systems
• AURTTD004: Inspect and service suspension systems
• AURTTQ001: Inspect and service final drive assemblies
• AURVTW018: Carry out oxyacetylene welding, thermal heating and cutting
• AURVTW109: Carry out basic gas metal arc welding

Ways to Study

• Apprenticeships or traineeships

Study Locations

• Greater Brisbane
• Darling Downs and South West

Campus Information

Costs

Eligible apprentices and trainees that meet the Queensland state funding requirements will be charged a set fee per nominal hour. These fees are calculated at a regulated rate of $1.60 per nominal hour. Concession rates apply for students who hold a current Health Care Card or who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

Non-funded apprentices and trainees will be charged a fee for service cost. These will be confirmed prior to the commencement of training.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Selection Criteria

To study an apprenticeship program you must be indentured as an apprentice with your employer.

Employers need to be able to provide the necessary human and physical resources to qualify for an apprentice.

Resources Required

You are responsible for meeting the minimum occupational health and safety requirements in practical classes. This includes the use of:

• Clear safety glasses to AS 1336 or 1337
• Protective footwear with safety toe cap and non-slip soles to AS2210
• Mechanic gloves
• Ear plugs or muffs
• You should also wear 100% cotton drill industry-standard protective clothing

You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks after enrolment, during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network.

You are also required to have access to and bring personal stationery, a USB, and a calculator.

Assessment Methods

Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning.

University Pathways

If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfers

Fast track your way to a formal qualification by earning credit for the things you already know. We can assess your skills, directly apply credits from previous successful study, and give you advanced standing in your course.

Related Courses

• Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
• Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology