Automotive training drives careers forward in Roma
The future of automotive training in Western Queensland is gaining momentum, with heavy vehicle automotive trade training, new equipment, and opportunities taking shape at TAFE Queensland’s Roma campus.
Led by experienced automotive trainer, Peter Smith, the initiative is designed to meet growing industry demand while helping students build practical, job-ready skills close to home.
The Roma region is home to a diverse and thriving automotive sector, from heavy transport to agricultural machinery.
Peter said that this unique mix of industries has shaped the training being delivered on campus.
“There’s a lot of heavy industry here including trucks and road train workshops as well as smaller workshops working on everyday vehicles,” he said
To support these pathways, TAFE Queensland is delivering the Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation (AUR20720), Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology (AUR31120) and Certificate III in Engineering – Fixed and Mobile Plant Mechanic (MEM31419).
These qualifications provide students with the skills needed to work across heavy vehicles, industrial equipment, and plant machinery which are all key areas supporting the Maranoa economy.
At the Roma campus, students will gain hands-on experience using new equipment and real-world scenarios designed to mirror industry environments.
“We’re setting up the workshop with new plant and equipment that students can pull apart and put back together,” Peter explained.
“With the equipment we have, we can cover almost all of the training in our fully equipped on campus workshops,” he said.
TAFE Queensland is also engaging with local schools through career taster programs, giving students early exposure to the automotive trade.
By showcasing the breadth of career options, from light vehicles to heavy machinery, these experiences aim to inspire the next generation of tradespeople and support workforce development in the region.
Recognising the challenges of distance in regional Queensland, Peter and the team are taking a flexible approach to training delivery.
“We also delivery training in the workplace. Not everybody can come to us, so we go to them,” he said.
This includes site visits and workplace support across locations such as Charleville and St George, ensuring apprentices remain connected to training while staying engaged in their local workplaces.
With a career spanning automotive engineering, the petrochemical industry, and vocational education, Peter brings extensive real-world experience into the classroom.
His approach is centred on delivering training that meets the needs of both students and employers.
“It’s about teaching what they need to know to succeed in their industry,” he said
TAFE Queensland’s investment in automotive training in Roma highlights its commitment to strengthening regional communities and supporting local industry.