Mobile Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship

A Mobile Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship provides exposure to various automotive and mechanical techniques, including the manufacturing, assembly, and commissioning of mobile and stationary plant equipment.

Similar to a Diesel Fitter Apprenticeship, practical training in a mobile plant apprenticeship includes servicing, diagnosing and rectifying faults, conducting condition monitoring, and implementing preventative maintenance measures. The skills acquired through this apprenticeship are versatile and applicable to a wide range of tasks associated with mobile plant machinery.

You will be responsible for the repair and service of plant equipment including engines, cooling systems, exhaust systems, diesel fuel systems, clutch assemblies, manual and automatic transmissions, hydraulic systems, final drive assemblies, and steering and suspension systems.

Mobile Plant Mechanic Apprentices can train in different industries such as mining, renewable energy, landfill gas power generation, wind and solar power generation, remote energy, liquefied natural gas, and compressed natural gas.

A mobile plant mechanical apprenticeship typically lasts 3-4 years, and includes paid hands-on training with a host company and the study of a nationally accredited qualification such as AUR31220 Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology.

Mobile Plant Mechanics maintain site and workshop large-scale engines, repairing and diagnosing a wide range of mobile plant equipment.

Daily tasks may include:

• Diagnosing and repairing hydraulic control systems, heavy vehicle air braking systems, mobile plant suspension systems, powershift transmissions, mobile plant hydraulic systems and variable transmissions   
• Using and maintaining tools and equipment in an automotive workplace
• Retrofitting and modifying air conditioning and HVAC systems
• Inspecting and servicing manual transmissions
• Inspecting, testing and replacing heavy vehicle automatic transmissions   
• Removing and installing heavy vehicle engine assemblies   

Ideal mobile plant mechanic apprentices have a passion for all things mechanical, and love solving problems with their hands. The sort of skills and aptitude required are:

• Enjoy manual work
• Mechanical aptitude
• Problem-solving skills
• Safety awareness
• Initiative