Automotive

Course Description

The St Patrick’s Technical College Automotive program prepares students for a career in the automotive servicing industry as an apprentice light or heavy vehicle mechanic.

Get the skills to identify, inspect and perform basic repairs to the mechanical and electrical components of light and heavy vehicles, outdoor power equipment, bicycles, marine craft and motorcycles. This entry-level qualification is designed to help you build a foundation of basic knowledge to help you prepare for a career in the automotive industry.

The program also provides an introduction to other automotive industry trades including:

paint and panel;
auto-electrical;
parts interpretation;
outdoor power equipment; and
small motors.

This program is part of the StPatsTech School of Engineering & Transport. To see the other pathways available in this sub-school, visit the Programs page.

Course Structure

StPatsTech-Machine-Auto All students at St Patrick’s Technical College study a nationally-accredited technical / vocational qualification while completing the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Industry Focused SACE
> Essential Mathematics
> Scientific Studies
> Business Innovation

Work Ready Skills
> Essential English
> Integrated Learning: Skills for Life
> Work Experience
> Cross Disciplinary Studies
> Community Connections: Health and Wellbeing

Vocational Training
> Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology (AUR20520)

Our fully integrated courses mean you don’t sacrifice your high school education while undertaking vocational training, either through one of our certificate courses or through our School-based Apprenticeship program.

All subjects at St Patrick’s Technical College are specifically written with reference to your technical training while the vocational qualification is industry relevant and provides pathways into apprenticeships and traineeships.

Automotive-Workshop-A

St Patrick’s Technical College – Automotive workshop

Curriculum Information

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Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology (AUR20520)

This course is designed to improve your chances of becoming registered as an apprentice by an employer and progressing towards becoming a fully qualified tradesperson in the mechanical trades.

It covers the skills and knowledge in the servicing operations of brakes, steering, suspension, engines, transmissions, batteries and wheel balancing.

MTA (RTO Code 2293) is responsible for the quality of accredited training and assessment provided and for the issuing of all qualifications and statements of attainment for this course.

See below for full list of competencies associated with this AQF qualification.

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Integrated Learning

Students apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world task, event, learning opportunity, or context, which leads to a specific purpose, product, or outcome. The subject draws links between aspects of students’ lives and their learning. Students develop and demonstrate their collaboration, teamwork, and self-awareness, and evaluate their learning.

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Essential English

Our literacy program prepares students to communicate effectively within the workplace. This subject provides students with skills required to enhance their oral and written skills. Students learn techniques to improve their employment opportunities, their ability to work in a team and their effectiveness to communicate with customers and clients. Areas such as the planning and writing of job applications, procedures when writing curriculum vitae and the appropriate use of email and other electronic communications are also studied in this course.

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Essential Mathematics

Our numeracy program enables students to develop the mathematical skills necessary to ensure their success and is both practical and theoretical in nature. Students study units of measurement, measuring devices, length, perimeter, area and volume. These units also include components in costing, quoting and scale drawing. These units are fundamental to the success of all students completing a trade and give students a clear understanding of the relevance between mathematics and their chosen career pathway.

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Research Project

In the Research Project, students have the opportunity to study an area of interest in depth. They use their creativity and initiative, while developing the research and presentation skills they will need in further study or work.

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Scientific Studies (Engineering)

This subject is designed for students undertaking the Mining, Metals and Engineering or Automotive courses to gain an understanding of the impact science has had and continues to have on their chosen profession. A hands-on approach is undertaken to ensure students gain an understanding of the characteristics of different metals and how these characteristics are used within industry. Students investigate the strengths of metals and understand how metals fail. The course also investigates the processes used to protect metals from failure and the process of metal production.

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Skills for Life

The Skills for Life program provides students with meaningful and positive experiences as part of the College’s Catholic community. It aims to develop students knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the dignity of the human person, living in relationship and the nature of freedom and responsibility. It helps students to recognise how they can impact and make a difference in their community and to develop skills and values in relation to what is meaningful and significant to their lives.

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Work Studies

In Work Studies students develop knowledge, skills, and understanding of the nature, type and structure of the workplace. They learn about the value of unpaid work to society, future trends in the world of work, workers’ rights and responsibilities and career planning. Our extensive Work Experience program is a key component of this subject allowing students to develop and reflect on their capabilities, interests, and aspirations.

Pre-Vocational Competencies

AUR20520	Certificate II in Automotive Servicing Technology
Code	*Unit Title*
AURAEA002	Follow environmental and sustainability best practice in an automotive workplace
AURASA102	Follow safe working practices in an automotive workplace
AURATA001	Identify basic automotive faults using troubleshooting processes
AURETR115	Inspect, test and service batteries
AURTTA104	Carry out servicing operations
AURTTB101	Inspect and service braking systems
AURTTC001	Inspect and service cooling systems
AURTTD002	Inspect and service steering systems
AURTTD004	Inspect and service suspension systems
AURTTE104	Inspect and service engines
AURTTK001	Use and maintain measuring equipment in an automotive workplace
AURTTQ001	Inspect and service final drive assemblies
AURTTQ103	Inspect and service drive shafts
	*Electives*
AURAFA103	Communicate effectively in an automotive workplace
AURSCA101	Select and supply automotive parts and products
AURTTK102	Use and maintain tools and equipment in an automotive workplace
AURTTX015	Inspect and service clutch systems
AURTTX102	Inspect and service manual transmissions
AURTTX103	Inspect and service automatic transmissions
AURVTA001	Prepare vehicles for customer use

Work Experience

StPatsTech is focused on helping you move into the workforce. Our Work Ready Skills program gives you the edge when it comes to applying for a job.

Embedded in all the subjects that make up the Work Ready Skills program you’ll discover the key skills that employers are looking for and how you can develop them:

People skills
Reliability
Literacy and numeracy
Communication
Teamwork
Positive attitude and work ethic
Critical thinking
Creativity
Digital literacy
Problem solving

To help you develop these skills and introduce you to potential employers, the College conducts an extensive Work Experience program. Year 10 & Year 12 students have six compulsory WEX blocks scheduled during term time, and Year 11 students have seven compulsory WEX blocks scheduled during term time.

Apprenticeship

As part of your program at St Patrick’s Technical College, we’ll support you to move into an apprenticeship as soon as you’re ready.

St Patrick’s Technical College is the School-based Apprenticeship and Traineeship (SBAT) specialist.

SBAT is a mix of academic, vocational education, training and employment.

Through your SBAT at St Patrick’s Technical College, employment skills and real-world experience are an integral part of your school program.

Our apprenticeship program is the only one of its kind in South Australia. We allow you and your employer maximum flexibility so you both get the most out of your SBAT.

Career Pathways

The automotive retail, service and repair industry is involved in the upkeep of every component of motor vehicles, from bodies and interiors to the mechanical and electrical systems.

Career opportunities in the industry include:

Automotive airconditioning fitter
Automotive electrician
Automotive parts interpreter
Bicycle technician
Brake mechanic
Engine reconditioner
Exhaust fitter and repairer
Heavy vehicle motor mechanic
Light engine mechanic
Light vehicle motor mechanic
Panel beater
Radiator repairer
Tyre fitter and repairer
Vehicle body builder
Vehicle dismantler
Vehicle painter
Vehicle serviceperson
Vehicle trimmer
Windscreen fitter.