Vehicle Mechanic
As a Vehicle Mechanic, you’ll be a valued member of a team, working not only in a workshop, but out in the field on domestic exercises, overseas deployments and humanitarian operations.
What you'll do
You’ll inspect, service, repair and maintain a wide variety of vehicles including motorbikes, 4WDs, trucks, trailers, plant equipment and protected mobility vehicles. You'll receive comprehensive and ongoing training that ensures you master a huge variety of equipment.
Your duties may include:
- diagnosing, maintaining and repairing the Army's fleet of general service vehicles, protected mobility vehicles and earthmoving vehicles
- working with specialist teams on advanced armoured vehicle hydraulics, fuel and electrical systems or vehicle power plants including the gas turbine engine on the Abrams Tank
- performing safety and technical inspections on vehicles and specialist equipment
- general soldiering duties, such as manning defensive positions, patrolling, traffic control, camouflaging of vehicles and field equipment, and navigation.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Army will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training to strengthen your skillset. This will help you to command and run a highly skilled team of soldiers and the employment of their equipment.
You may have opportunities to grow your technical knowledge through a range of specialist courses covering equipment, including the latest Abrams Tank, Combat Reconnaissance Vehicles, Mobile Plant equipment and Special Forces Vehicles.
Following training, it’s likely you’ll be posted to a large Combat Service Support Battalion (CSSB) located in either Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin and Townsville. Subsequent postings can be to various locations and units throughout Australia.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map.
We make sure the vehicle will get our people, in the field, home.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 56 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
To be eligible for qualified entry, you’ll need to be a qualified mechanic, having completed a Certificate III in one of the below qualifications and have evidence of employment within that trade. Qualifications include:
- Heavy Commercial Vehicle Technology
- Light Vehicle Technology
- Mobile Plant Technology.
Alternatively, if you have completed an approved apprenticeship or traineeship in an automotive discipline aligned to a Certificate III (in one of the above qualifications) you may also be eligible for qualified entry.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 4 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current (RPL/RCC) competencies will be completed prior to a Letter of Offer (LOO) being sent. The LOO will detail your suitability for qualified entry and any gap training required to be undertaken to become fully qualified for your requested role.
You should present your trade paperwork and any other evidence at the earliest opportunity during your recruiting interview to ensure the recognition process can be completed prior to a LOO being raised and sent. This will also ensure that you only undertake the minimum amount of training required for your role. The recognition process cannot be commenced after enlistment.
Any trade evidence submitted should contain the content of training undertaken (i.e. Units of Competencies, Statement of Attainment, etc.) and must be certified as a true copy of the original.
Your submitted trade evidence will be assessed by staff at the Army Logistic Training Centre against the requirements of your requested role prior to enlistment and will confirm your suitability for qualified entry and identify any gap training required.
Applicants must provide a CV (including work history and trade tasks undertaken) and 3 references (one from current employer and 2 from previous employers) when applying.
Regardless of any recognition granted, you will still need to complete military specific training as part of your initial employment training.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling, and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Key components of the course include:
- Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
- Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
- Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
- Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
- First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
- Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
- Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.
On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.
Course: Army Technical and Trades Vehicle Technician Course
Duration: up to 18 months
Location: Army Logistic Training Centre (ALTC), Bonegilla, Vic
Regardless of civilian qualifications held, you’ll still need to attend the following course Conducted at the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (ASEME).
You’ll learn:
- theory and practice of motor vehicle systems including brakes, clutches, steering, drivelines, fuel systems, electrical systems, transmissions, hydraulics and internal combustion engines (both petrol and diesel are covered, with an emphasis on diesel)
- removal, testing and replacement of components
- diagnostic procedures
- fitting, machining, oxy-acetylene and arc-welding as allied trades.
This course is to complete any trade gap training identified during the recognition process and to complete military specific trade training.
Depending on the amount of trade gap training delivered, you may have to complete a period of On-the-Job Training (OJT). If you are required to complete a period of OJT you’ll be posted to a Regional Training Centre in either Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin or Townsville on completion of training.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 54 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English, Maths and Science (with a Physics component) and one other subject. Note: Consumer Maths, Maths in Society and similarly modified maths are not suitable for this job.
If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
Partially Qualified
If you have any prior experience or training towards a qualification in an automotive mechanical discipline, you may be able to receive recognition against some of the training content of your initial trade training. You should present any trade evidence you have attained at your recruiting interview to ensure that recognition can be completed prior to commencing initial trade training.
Any trade evidence submitted should contain the content of training undertaken (i.e. Units of Competencies, Statement of Attainment, etc.) and must be certified as a true copy of the original otherwise it will not be considered.
If you have not achieved the appropriate passes for this role, an education assessment can be conducted to determine your eligibility. Employment history and other qualifications will be considered. Speak to your Careers Coach to discuss options.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 6 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Recognition of Prior Learning
Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current Competencies (RPL/RCC) will be completed prior to a Letter of Offer (LOO) being sent. The LOO will confirm if any recognition that can be granted and the training required to be undertaken to become fully qualified for your requested role.
If you have undertaken any trade training in any automotive mechanical discipline, have evidence towards a partial completion or the completion of an approved apprenticeship or traineeship or can provide evidence that supports attainment of competencies towards a Certificate III in Automotive or Plant you may be given advanced standing as part of the recognition process towards the Army Vehicle Technician Course.
You should present your trade paperwork and any other evidence at the earliest opportunity during your recruiting interview to ensure the recognition process can be completed prior to a LOO being raised and sent. This will also ensure that you only undertake the minimum amount of training required for your role. The recognition process cannot be commenced after enlistment.
Any trade evidence submitted should contain the content of training undertaken (i.e. Units of Competencies, Statement of Attainment, etc.) and must be certified as a true copy of the original.
Your submitted trade evidence will be assessed by staff at the Army Logistic Training Centre against the requirements of your requested role prior to enlistment and will identify any gap training required.
Applicants must provide a CV (including work history and trade tasks undertaken) and 3 references (one from current employer and 2 from previous employers) when applying.
Regardless of civilian qualifications, you’ll still need to complete military specific training as part of your initial employment training.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling, and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Key components of the course include:
- Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
- Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
- Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
- Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
- First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
- Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
- Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.
On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.
Course: Army Technical and Trades Vehicle Technician Course
Duration: 18 months approximately (self-paced training)
Location: Army Logistic Training Centre (ALTC), Bonegilla, Vic
Initial trade training is conducted at the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (ASEME). The courses and competencies you attain are gained through successful completion of the Army Technical and Trades Vehicle Technician Course (ATTVEHT).
You’ll learn:
- theory and practice of motor vehicle systems including brakes, clutches, steering, drivelines, fuel systems, electrical systems, transmissions, hydraulics and internal combustion engines (both petrol and diesel are covered, with an emphasis on diesel)
- removal, testing and replacement of components
- diagnostic procedures
- fitting, machining, oxy-acetylene and arc-welding as allied trades.
Course: On-the-Job Training (OJT)
Duration: 10 – 14 months
Location: Regional Training Centre, either Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin or Townsville
Following completion of your initial employment training, you’ll be posted to a Regional Training Centre to complete On-the-Job training before becoming fully qualified.
After 6 years you'll not only have Army trade proficiency but fully accredited qualifications that are transferable to provide you with excellent long-term employment prospects.
Throughout your career, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your skills with further specialist training.