Automotive Apprenticeships

AUTOMOTIVE

An automotive trade can lead to a number of job opportunities, from fixing up cars as a mechanic, making extensive repairs as an automotive electrician, or repairing and maintaining the body of cars as a panel beater or spray painter.

A rapidly growing and high-demand field, the automotive trade keeps all vehicles running smoothly and looking in the best condition.

The automotive industry is very diverse and is served by many businesses in the ACT and region, ranging from small operators to national and international companies.

Your training at CIT will give you excellent knowledge of your chosen automotive path. You will also train on-the-job with your employer, building specialised knowledge and contact within the industry.

CIT provides quality, industry-relevant education with a high level of personalised support for all students. Our automotive courses are industry-applauded and delivered by teachers with expert knowledge, helping you to further your career, upgrade your skills or get your career started.

Career opportunities

• Auto Electrical: Automotive electrical technology provides training that will enable you to repair and maintain the electrical systems and components of cars and other vehicles.
• Auto Mechanical: Automotive mechanical provides technicians within the automotive industry with advanced diagnostic, overhaul, and repair skills to become leaders in the industry.
• Panel and Paint: Panel and paint provides training in the repair and maintenance of the body of cars and heavy vehicles.

Australian Apprenticeships

CIT and an Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP) can assist you in your endeavour to become qualified in an automotive trade.

An apprenticeship is a training agreement between an employer and apprentice and is usually for a three-to-four-year period. The training agreement includes practical on-the-job experience where apprentices are provided opportunities in the workplace to work with a tradesperson to develop skills relevant to the industry. The apprentice’s employment is supported by structured off-the-job training with a registered training organisation (RTO) like CIT, where the apprentice studies and develops the skills identified by the national training package for the automotive industry.

Australian School-based Apprenticeships (ASbAs)

An ASbA offers students, 15 years or over, the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised vocational qualification by combining paid work and training as part of their education program. An ASbA is designed to fit within a student's study program whilst at school and can count toward their ACT Senior Secondary Certificate.

Finding an employer

There are many ways to find an apprentice employer. You should use as many methods as you can to improve your chances. Some suggestions include:

• contacting an Apprenticeship Network Provider (ANP)
• searching for job vacancy ads (such as the CIT Employment Opportunities page)
• advertising your intention for an apprenticeship at local automotive businesses
• asking around, chatting to people who are in industry, visiting job sites and introducing yourself.

Make a good impression

Offer a resume with your personal information, education, employment history and personal attributes. Be confident and well-presented, make good eye contact and have a positive can-do attitude. Research the industry, the employer's company, the position requirements, and sell your strengths and positive attributes accordingly.

Be study ready

At CIT your success is our priority. Whether you are 'study ready' or your foundation skills (reading, writing and using numbers) could be stronger, we can help you build your industry skills and knowledge. All Australian Apprentices are required to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) assessment before commencing their training. You CIT teachers will help you through this process.

Further information:

Australian Apprenticeships
Apprenticeship Network Providers (ANPs)
Australian School-based Apprenticeships