Diesel Fitter Apprenticeship

A Diesel Fitter Apprenticeship will prepare you for a job where you will repair, service and maintain diesel machinery, plant equipment, engines and heavy vehicles.

This often involves diagnosing issues with parts and systems that require a new part to be recrafted to fit the repair. It is similar in scope to a Mobile Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship.

Diesel Fitters will often work alongside or in a similar capacity as Heavy Vehicle Mechanics. Diesel Fitters are specialists in diesel engines and connected systems, whereas mechanics might also work on other vehicle areas, such as electrical or HVAC systems.

Depending on their on-the-job training, a diesel fitting apprentice may learn to specialise in particular machinery, plant equipment or engine types particular to their industry. This could be the machinery and plant equipment essential to open-cut-mining operations, or the machinery and engines used in heavy agriculture industries.

To gain the necessary experience and competency, a Diesel Fitter Apprenticeship takes around 4 years to complete. During this time you will study a nationally accredited qualification at TAFE or a Registered Training Organisation, such as:

• AUR31520 Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Engine Technology
• AUR31420 Certificate III in Automotive Diesel Fuel Technology

A diesel fitter, also known as a diesel mechanic or diesel technician, is a skilled professional specialising in the maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of diesel engines. Their primary responsibility is ensuring that vehicles and machinery operate efficiently and safely.

A typical day as a diesel fitter apprentice may include:

• Using diagnostic equipment such as computers to detect faults
• Maintaining engine cooling systems and induction/exhaust systems
• Dismantling, replacing and assembling engineering components
• Testing compression ignition fuel systems and tuning diesel engines
• Maintaining fluid power systems for mobile plant machinery
• Dismantling, cleaning and assessing parts as part of an engine bottom-end overhaul

A diesel fitter apprentice requires a keen interest in diagnosing, repairing and maintaining engines and plant machinery, along with the following skills and aptitude:

• Enjoy practical and manual work
• Mechanical aptitude
• Good maths, science and computing skills
• Diagnostic ability

To get started in a Diesel Fitting Apprenticeship, visit our Jobs Board for available opportunities in this trade specialisation or other automotive apprenticeships.