Course Summary
Step into the world of vehicles, engines and automotive electrical systems. This Career Taster gives you hands‑on experience across two key automotive trade areas: heavy vehicle mechanics and auto electrics. Designed for students curious about how engines work, how large vehicles are maintained, and how modern electrical systems power them, this program offers an engaging introduction to the skills and environments found across the automotive industry. Throughout the program, you’ll gain hands-on experience in safe tool handling, engine fundamentals, basic circuits and diagnostic techniques, building confidence with tools, wiring, testing equipment and technical instructions. Whether you’re interested in diesel mechanics, automotive electrical systems, maintenance, or general automotive careers, this taster gives you the opportunity to discover your strengths, develop new skills and explore the pathways that might be right for you.
Requirements - To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
Entry RequirementsEnrolment in this course is subject to meeting the funding eligibility criteria for Career Tasters. Please see the Fees and Scholarships tab for more information.
During your study at CQUniversity
To take part in this Career Taster, students must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while in workshops and training areas. PPE is required to help keep students safe in practical learning environments.
Students are to wear:
- Closed-in safety boots with reinforced toe cap (Approved to AS/NZS 2210.3:2019)
- Long-sleeved cotton drill/twill shirt
- Long cotton drill or denim work pants
Important information
- PPE must be worn at all times when directed by CQUniversity staff.
- Students who do not wear the required PPE will not be able to participate in practical activities
Course Details
| Course Type | Short Course (Non-accredited) |
|---|---|
| Student Availability |
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| Fees | For detailed information on Course Fees, visit www.cqu.edu.au/fees |
| Application Mode |
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| How to Apply | Please Enquire |
| Study Area |
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| Skill Area |
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Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
Not Applicable |
|---|---|
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Not Applicable |
Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations
Students will delve into the inner workings of automotive systems, exploring engine components, electrical diagnostics, and fault-finding techniques using tools like multimeters and wiring boards. These hands-on experiences foster analytical thinking and mechanical problem-solving; skills that are essential in roles such as diesel mechanics, auto electricians, and heavy vehicle technicians. Beyond the transport and mechanical sectors, these capabilities also translate into fields like motorsport engineering, agricultural machinery maintenance, and even defence logistics, where vehicle systems and diagnostics play a critical role. This exposure encourages students to consider how mechanical aptitude and systems thinking can support a wide range of future opportunities, from technical trades to specialised industries that rely on precision, resilience, and innovation.
Study Mode Definitions
- Online: Online courses provide the flexibility to study without normally requiring a student to visit a campus. Course content is studied through a number of means including the use of online discussion forums, electronic library resources, by contacting lecturers and teachers, and receiving study materials online/electronically. Work integrated learning, including placements, may be included in some courses.
- On-campus: Students studying in on-campus mode typically are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the University’s academic term. These activities may include lectures, tutorials, workshops and practice, online or other activities and normally will be timetabled at a CQUniversity campus or approved delivery site.
- Mixed Mode: Students studying in mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities in addition to site-specific learning activities, which may include residential schools, co-op placements and/or work-integrated learning as a compulsory requirement of a unit. The additional site-specific learning activities are what differentiates a mixed-mode unit from an online unit.
*All study modes may include Vocational placement and/or work integrated learning.
Select a course structure below to view the delivery details, including the different study modes offered for each structure.
This non-accredited Career Taster program is delivered face-to-face over five consecutive days at your enrolled CQUniversity campus.
Students will participate in hands-on engaging practical learning experiences and projects exploring concepts and practical skills used across the heavy vehicle maintenance and auto electrical trades. Students will take part in supervised, practical learning experiences that introduce them to key concepts, safety practices and foundational skills used across the automotive industry. Throughout the program, students will engage in a variety of hands‑on activities that reflect real automotive environments, such as working with tools and components, exploring how mechanical and electrical systems function, and developing an understanding of basic diagnostic processes.
- On-campus
| Units | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUCRT281B | Automotive Systems & Engine Assembly | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| NUCRT281C | Auto Electrical Diagnostics | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| NUCRT281A | WHS and Introduction to Heavy Vehicle Systems & Diagnostics | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
Unit Sequence
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| NUCRT281B | Automotive Systems & Engine Assembly |
| NUCRT281C | Auto Electrical Diagnostics |
| NUCRT281A | WHS and Introduction to Heavy Vehicle Systems & Diagnostics |
Students will build foundational knowledge and hands‑on workshop experience across both heavy automotive and auto electrical disciplines, helping them understand trade expectations, safety practices and the core skills used in industry. This non‑accredited taster offers insight into pathways such as heavy vehicle or diesel fitter apprenticeships, automotive technician apprenticeships, auto electrician apprenticeships, and industrial or mobile plant technician roles. These experiences support students in making informed decisions about pursuing further vocational training, apprenticeships or school‑based pathways in the automotive sector.
Upon completion of this non‑accredited course, students will receive a Statement of Participation acknowledging their engagement and the skill areas covered.