How to become an Automotive Electrician

Duties & Tasks of an Automotive Electrician

Automotive electricians:

• Work with computer-controlled engine management systems
• Service, identify and repair faults on electronically controlled vehicle systems such as electronic fuel injection, electronic ignition, anti-lock braking, cruise control, automatic transmission, airbags and air conditioning
• Install electrical equipment such as gauges, lighting, alternators and starter motors in vehicles
• Install electrically operated accessories such as radios, heating or demisting equipment, air conditioners, driving lamps and anti-theft systems
• Refer to circuit diagrams, and use meters and test instruments to find electrical faults
• Adjust engine control systems and timing to ensure vehicles are running at peak performance
• Test, recondition and replace faulty alternators, generators, starter motors and related items such as voltage regulators and batteries
• Repair or replace faulty ignition, electrical wiring, fuses, lamps and switches
• Use hand tools, specialised electrical tools, instruments and machines, including drills, grinders, presses and lathes
• Solder or weld when repairing electrical parts
• Sell and install electrical parts and accessories
• Install, repair and service air conditioning systems.

Tasks

• Replacing defective parts such as fuses, lamps and switches
• Testing and replacing defective alternators, generators, voltage regulators and starter motors
• Repairing and replacing faulty ignition and electrical wiring
• Connecting power-operated vehicle equipment and accessories to power supply
• Using test equipment to locate electrical and electronic malfunctions
• Installing electrical equipment and electronic components in motor vehicles
• Dismantling and removing electrical and electronic assemblies and components
• Adjusting engine control systems and timing

Working conditions for an Automotive Electrician

Automotive electricians are usually required to wear protective clothing. They may have contact with customers.

Employment Opportunities for an Automotive Electrician

Automotive electricians work for automotive electrical specialists, motor vehicle repairers, large transport firms and vehicle dealerships. They may work either in motor vehicles themselves, at workbenches repairing parts, or providing mobile and roadside repairs. With the increasing use of electronically controlled systems, regularly updating skills and knowledge is essential. Computerised diagnostic equipment training and expertise in advancing systems (such as electronic fuel injection and vehicle management) are also very important.

Specializations

Automotive Electrician

Automotive electricians install, maintain, identify faults and repair electrical wiring and computer-based equipment in motor vehicles and related equipment, such as caravans, trailers, earthmoving equipment, mining equipment, marine applications and agricultural equipment.

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  Average age

  37 years

• 

  Future Growth

  Stable

• 

  Gender Share

  2% female

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  Average full-time

  48 hours

• 

  Weekly Pay

  Unavailable

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  Skill level rating

  Medium skill

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  Unemployment

  Average unemployment

• 

  Full-Time Share

  90% Full-Time

• 

  Employment Size

  6,100 workers

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  Employment by state

  ACT: 0.7%
  NSW: 25.1%
  NT: 1.1%
  QLD: 25.6%
  SA: 6.6%
  TAS: 2.2%
  VIC: 18.3%
  WA: 20.4%
  
• 

  Age brackets

  15-19: 4.7%
  20-24: 13.2%
  25-34: 27.3%
  35-44: 21.8%
  45-54: 18.6%
  55-59: 7.2%
  60-64: 4.8%
  65 and Over: 2.4%
  
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  Education level

  Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 2.2%
  Bachelor degree: 1.6%
  Certificate III/IV: 84%
  Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.1%
  Year 10 and below: 3.3%
  Year 11: 2%
  Year 12: 6.7%