what is a mechanic?
As a mechanic, you perform repairs and maintenance on motor vehicles. You dismantle and reassemble auto parts to repair any issues in a car. That means the role requires knowledge of how diesel and combustion engines work. You also need knowledge of vehicle parts like brakes and transmission systems. Being a mechanic requires being hands on and a direct approach to problem-solving. Mechanics get their hands dirty when completing repairs and have great agility.
what does a mechanic do?
The primary duties of mechanics are to perform routine checks and maintenance on cars. You spend most of your day examining and diagnosing malfunctioning cars, identifying problems and fixing them. Sometimes, you dismantle the engine or vehicle parts to inspect faulty components and repair them. If the car has suffered significant damage, you request the replacement parts and replace them.
As a mechanic, you use specialist equipment to examine the car’s underbody and repair the parts. For instance, you require a hydraulic lift to access the underbody and other hand tools for dismantling and assembling vehicle parts after repairs.
Most mechanics work in car dealerships or vehicle repair garages, providing vehicle servicing and repair services. Small engine mechanics repair and maintain a simple household, mining or industrial machinery.
mechanic jobsaverage mechanic salary
The median salary of a mechanic in Australia is $70,000 per year. The earnings usually fluctuate depending on the experience and training level. The base salary of new mechanics is $60,000 annually due to their minimal experience. As you improve your skills, your earnings increase gradually to $80,000. Apart from standard remuneration packages, many employers offer bonus schemes to improve your profits. The bonuses usually depend on efficiency and customer satisfaction and can be paid monthly or yearly. When you work overtime, you are entitled to overtime pay higher than the standard hourly rates.
how to increase the salary of a mechanic
The remuneration package of a mechanic fluctuates depending on the area of specialisation, qualifications and work experience. When you specialise in one aspect of repair and maintenance work, your earnings are slightly different from those of general mechanics. For instance, motor mechanics are likely to earn somewhat less with an average remuneration package of $60,000 per year, with experienced mechanics taking home $70,000 annually. Heavy vehicle mechanics make a higher median salary of $85,000 annually, while experienced mechanics can take home over $110,000 yearly.
Want to know what you will earn as a mechanic? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.
types of mechanics
Some of the types of mechanics include:
- motor mechanics: you assist drivers with vehicle repairs and servicing. You primarily work in garages or dealerships, dealing with scheduled maintenance, repairs and servicing. You handle oil and fluid changes, brake replacements, shock absorber repairs and transmission issues.
- heavy vehicle mechanics: you have a similar role to a motor mechanic, but you work with industrial-sized vehicles like trucks, mining and earthmoving machinery, and buses. The position requires specialised skills due to the complexity of the cars. Some of the duties you perform include diagnostic tests, and servicing and maintaining the diesel fuel systems. You also handle repairs for steering and braking systems.
- diesel mechanics: you specialise in diesel engine cars. Your job is to diagnose, repair and maintain cars, buses or trucks that use a diesel engine. You also ensure compliance with pollution regulations.
- mobile mechanics: you perform similar functions as a general mechanic. However, you provide mobile services. Instead of a customer visiting the garage, you go to them. Most mobile mechanics transport their tools in their van and can perform repairs on the sides of the road.
working as a mechanic
Becoming a mechanic can be an exciting career if you are interested in cars and machines. Here's a breakdown of a mechanic's specific duties and career prospects.
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mechanic job description
Some of the tasks of a mechanic include:
- diagnosing vehicles: you conduct diagnostic tests to identify issues in a car before repairs. Using specialised hardware and software tools helps you complete a thorough diagnosis. You identify the faulty car parts from the diagnosis and determine the best course of action.
- repairing and replacing vehicle parts: after diagnosing and testing vehicle components, you pinpoint the faulty parts and start the repairs. Sometimes, the repairs are simple tasks like refilling the brake fluid, coolant and motor oil or replacing filters. Complex problems may require the replacement of some parts like changing the brake pads or replacing malfunctioning parts of the engines.
- performing scheduled maintenance: vehicles require routine maintenance and servicing to ensure they are road worthy. You perform scheduled maintenance functions like fluid changes and tyre rotation as a mechanic. Scheduled maintenance also involves running diagnostic tests to check the vehicle's status. Any repairs and replacements made during maintenance are documented during servicing.
- testing mechanical parts: you test the mechanical components of a car after completing repairs and replacing defective pieces. The test ensures the problems are resolved, and the car performs optimally.
- conducting vehicle inspections: you examine vehicles to ascertain their roadworthiness. Sometimes, the inspections involve checking if the car adheres to the laws controlling environmental pollution. Mechanics also issue drivability certificates after completing assessments.
- documenting repairs and creating a quotation for clients: you create a budget for the expected expenses arising from repairs and replacements. You also keep track of the parts and pieces changed and repaired by documenting them.
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work environment
Mechanics work in various environments, from automotive repair garages to car dealerships and car rental services. You may work indoors or outdoors as a mechanic, depending on your employer. Some car repair shops have indoor work environments, while others are in outdoor locations. Garages and repair shops are usually noisy, and your work involves handling dirty car parts. The role requires wearing protective equipment like gloves, goggles, overalls and ear protectors. You operate heavy machinery when you are a heavy-duty mechanic, and it is essential to maintain safety standards.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include forklift drivers, mechanical fitters, electricians, maintenance technicians, auto electricians and auto repair service managers. You might also be working close to mechanical engineers and diesel mechanics, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, mechanics' assistants, automotive engineers and motor vehicle fitters.
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work schedule
As a mechanic, your schedule is quite flexible since your work depends on the cars available for repair and maintenance. If you work in a busy garage, you will likely work up to 45 hours a week. Most mechanics work full-time, but part-time roles and short-term contracts are also available. Mobile mechanics have flexible schedules since they respond to customer requests. Mobile mechanics also travel to repair cars that break down on the road or in private residences.
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job outlook
The projected job growth rate for mechanics in Australia is 0.2% in the next five years, while job growth for heavy vehicle mechanics is 1.6%. That means specialising in certain areas can improve your job prospects. Alternatively, mechanics can move to higher positions in the role. You should progress to junior and senior mechanic roles if you are a mechanic's assistant. Some mechanics proceed to become supervisors and service managers.
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advantages of finding a mechanic job through randstad
Finding your mechanic job through Randstad provides essential benefits such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a mechanic is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job.Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
education and skills
To become a mechanic in Australia, you require post-secondary qualifications, including:
- vocational education: most mechanics in Australia join the field through vocational education training (VET) courses. The qualifications provide valuable practical experience to students and industry exposure. The VET automotive qualifications help you gain practical skills and knowledge in repairing mechanical parts of motorcycles, cars, marine craft and outdoor power equipment. The courses include a diploma in automotive technology, Certificate IV in automotive mechanical diagnosis, Certificate III in light vehicle mechanical technology and heavy commercial vehicle mechanical technology.
- work experience: most employers hire mechanics who have completed apprenticeships and have a few years of experience. Hence, entry-level jobs like becoming a mechanic's assistant improve your career prospects.
mechanic skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of a mechanic include:
- communication skills: you need communication and customer service skills to relate well to drivers and customers. Communication is important for conveying information and reassuring the customers that you can handle a problem. Customers feel more at ease when complex issues are explained in simple terms.
- diagnostic and problem-solving skills: diagnostic skills help identify the source of car problems. After diagnosing a problem, you should fix it or discuss the solution with the customer. Hence, problem-solving skills are vital for the role.
- skill and energy: you require skill in handling hand tools and complex machines to diagnose car problems. It is also essential to be fit enough to stand, bend, sit and squat while carrying out your job.
- innovative and ability to learn fast: you should constantly be on the lookout for better repair techniques. As repair technology changes, innovation helps you remain competitive in the market.
FAQs about working as a mechanic
Here are the most asked questions about working as a mechanic:
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what does a mechanic do in Australia?
As a mechanic, you diagnose and repair car problems. You change mechanical parts and replace malfunctioning pieces to ensure the car or machine runs smoothly. You also complete regular inspections to ascertain the car is fit for the road.
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do I need a university degree to become a mechanic?
No. Most mechanics join the role through post-secondary courses in VET centres that help them learn the role's requirements. You can also find apprenticeship opportunities that offer on-the-job training combined with coursework.
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is a mechanic similar to a technician?
As a mechanic, you use your hands to diagnose a car’s problems and use hand tools to fix the malfunctions. Technicians rely on computers to analyse the issues in a car and technology to resolve the problems.
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is it hard to be a mechanic?
Working as a mechanic can be extremely tough due to the physical labour involved. However, if you enjoy working with your hands and being on your feet the whole day, it is a rewarding role.
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what skills do mechanics need?
As a mechanic, you need technical skills and soft skills. For instance, you require mechanical skills to repair the cars and communication skills to communicate with customers.
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how do I apply for a mechanic vacancy?
Applying for a mechanic job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our mechanic job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
