Dalby students kickstart automotive careers with TAFE at School

Through the Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation (AUR20720), the students are gaining hands-on experience, practical skills, and industry insight while still completing their secondary schooling.

Delivered one day a week on campus, the program is designed to fit around students’ school commitments allowing them to gain industry-relevant training while staying on track with their studies.

For Year 10 student Lane Fleming from Tara Shire State College, studying an automotive course at TAFE Queensland is more than just a course, it’s the first step towards becoming a mechanic.

Travelling around an hour each week to attend classes in Dalby, Lane is already building valuable practical skills in a real workshop environment.

“I wanted to learn how to be a mechanic so I can work on cars,” Lane said.

From servicing vehicles to replacing tyres, Lane enjoys the hands-on nature of the training and working with industry-standard tools like rattle guns, ratchets, and shifters.

“I found the teaching is simple and easy to understand,” he said.

Beyond the technical skills, Lane values the experience of learning alongside other students in a workshop environment.

“I would recommend it because you meet new people and you learn skills that you don't know already,” he said.

Fellow Year 10 student William Harkin (pictured above) is from Dalby State High School and is using the course to complement his life on the farm.

With a strong interest in automotive work, William saw the program as an opportunity to gain hands-on experience while developing skills he can apply in everyday life.

“I found that this course is an interesting course, and you get hands-on with mechanical components in cars,” Bill said.

During the course, Bill has already worked on real vehicles, removing tyres, checking brakes, and inspecting key components such as propeller shafts and differentials.

“We've removed the tires from the Commodore, and then we've checked the brakes and completed a check of all the components that are underneath the car, like the propeller shaft and differentials,” he explained.

For Year 11 student Jackson Green from Chinchilla State High School, the course is helping transform a personal interest into a potential career.

After working on a classic Holden with his grandfather, Jackson discovered a passion for mechanics and enrolled in the course to build his skills further.

“I discovered I enjoyed it a lot. So, I thought I would give this course a go, get my certificate so I can work in the industry in the future in it if I decide to,” he said.

Through the program, Jackson has developed foundational skills in safety, identifying vehicle components, and working under vehicles using hoists.

Access to a range of workshop equipment, including engines, tractors, and multiple vehicles, has provided valuable, real-world learning experiences.

“The teacher explains everything well. I would definitely recommend doing more courses with him,” he said.

Now considering an apprenticeship after finishing school, Jackson is already exploring local industry opportunities.

TAFE Queensland’s TAFE at School program helps students gain a head start on their careers, combining classroom learning with practical, job-ready skills.

Designed as an entry-level pre-apprenticeship, this course prepares students for careers across the light and heavy automotive and marine industries. Students develop foundational skills to pursue apprenticeships in heavy commercial vehicle repair, light vehicle repair, mobile plant repair, diesel fitting, or marine mechanics.

Lane Fleming from is studying an automotive course to take his first step towards becoming a mechanic.

Jackson Green is turing a personal interest into a potential career pathway after school.