When most people think of a car mechanic, they picture someone in a workshop, fixing engines and changing oil. But the mechanic industry is so much bigger (and way more exciting) than that. Whether you’re into massive machines, high-tech systems, or working on-site rather than behind a workbench, there’s a whole world of alternative careers for mechanics waiting to be explored.
From construction to agriculture, the demand for people with automotive skills is booming, and the opportunities are more diverse than ever. Want some stats to back it up? We’ve got you. For starters, the automotive and mechanics industry in Australia has an impressive market value of $172.8bn and both mechanical engineering roles and fabrication engineering roles are in super high demand!
So, if you’re hands-on, love solving problems, and want a job that doesn’t keep you stuck in one place, the mechanical industry might just be the career launchpad you’re looking for.
Introducing CEA: Your Ticket Into the Mechanic Industry
If you’re dreaming about jobs in the mechanical industry, CEA (Construction Equipment Australia) is one of those employers you’ll want on your radar, especially if you’re considering alternative careers for mechanics beyond the usual car workshop! With over 70 dealer outlets and 7 branches nationwide, CEA is a powerhouse in distributing and supporting major brands like JCB, Ditch Witch, and Atlas Copco. Plus, they’re known for valuing your potential from day one: whether you’re aiming for an apprenticeship or diving into mechanical apprenticeship training, CEA delivers big-time on automotive skills and technical know-how.
Wondering why CEA is a top pick for future mechanics? Well, they’re all about mixing hands-on learning with expert mentorship, a culture that pushes you to grow, and real opportunities across construction, infrastructure, and even defence sectors. If you want a mechanic–style career but love the idea of working on massive excavators instead of engines, CEA offers a range of mechanic industry roles that’ll build your skills, challenge you daily, and set you up for a career that’s far from ordinary.
Beyond the Bonnet: Exploring Diverse Mechanical Roles at CEA
CEA’s mechanics work on a diverse (and very exciting) range of machinery and equipment from leading global brands, including JCB, Dynapac, Atlas Copco and Ditch Witch. Wondering what kind of equipment these brands provide so you can better understand your potential career? We’ve got you covered:
JCB Equipment
- Backhoes
- Excavators
- Telehandlers
- Skid Steers
Dynapac Equipment
- Compaction Rollers (used for soil and asphalt compaction)
- Pavers (machines for laying asphalt in road construction)
Atlas Copco Equipment
- Generators
- Lighting Towers
- Compressors
DitchWitch Equipment
- Directional Drills (for trenchless underground installations)
- Trenchers
- Vacuum Excavators
Why Mechanics Do More Than Just Fixing Cars
Jobs in the mechanical industry with CEA are quite different from traditional automotive mechanic positions, especially when it comes to the size of the machines, the complexity of the systems, and the nature of the work environment.
At CEA, mechanics can work on large-scale construction and agricultural equipment such as excavators, telehandlers, and industrial generators. These machines are much bigger and more powerful than cars and often involve advanced systems like hydraulics and heavy-duty diesel engines.
Automotive Mechanics vs Construction Equipment Mechanics
Unlike car mechanics, who usually work in indoor workshops, CEA mechanics can work within our large on-site workshops or outdoors on job sites. Essentially, these alternative careers for mechanics provide a little more variety and keep things exciting!
Jobs in the mechanical industry involve much more than just fixing cars; they can lead to a wide range of exciting and rewarding career opportunities. Understanding this can open the door to paths many people don’t even realise exist.
From becoming a specialist or gaining dual trades, to earning higher wages and even getting the chance to travel for work, these alternative careers for mechanics can offer variety, growth, and real-world adventure.
From Workshop to Worksite: The Dynamic Work Environment
When students first learn about mechanic work at CEA they’re often surprised and excited by several key aspects:
The Sheer Size and Power of the Machines
It’s often surprising how massive and powerful the equipment, like excavators, loaders, or bulldozers, really are when seen up close. Working with such heavy-duty, high-performance machines gives a real sense of scale and responsibility that’s hard to match in other trades. It’s exciting stuff!
The Variety of Mechanical Work Involved
It’s not just turning wrenches; jobs in the mechanical industry involve hydraulics, electronics, diagnostics, software, welding, and custom fabrication. It’s exciting that there’s always something different to work on, which keeps the job interesting and challenging.
Working in Diverse Environments
Mechanics at CEA don’t just work in workshops; they might be out in the field, on remote sites, construction zones, or even farms. It breaks the stereotype of a static job and adds variety, travel, and a bit of adventure to the work.
Opportunities for Career Growth
Believe it or not, mechanical work can lead to roles in technical support, field service management, product development, or even sales and training. There’s a clear path to move up or sideways depending on interests and strengths.
Building Your Mechanic Career with CEA
CEA offers apprenticeships for students interested in jobs in the mechanical industry, including a Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology, Automotive Electrical Technology or other similar qualifications. These programs combine TAFE study with hands-on experience.
If you’re still in school, choosing practical electives, doing work experience, and researching to learn about the different trades is a great start.
CEA looks for students who are curious, hands-on, and eager to learn. You don’t need to have all the answers; just a good attitude and a strong work ethic. From there, CEA can help you grow into a skilled, in-demand mechanic.
Support For New Mechanics & Apprentices
The team at CEA have their own training team that creates programs just for apprentices, making it easier to learn the skills you need! There’s a dedicated Apprentice Mentor who visits their different branches to give extra support and training. Plus, CEA has special ‘training engines’ that apprentices can work on, so you can get hands-on experience without the pressure of fixing real customer machines. It’s a great way to learn, make mistakes, and build your confidence.
Grow with CEA: Mathew’s Story
Want to know what your future with CEA could look like? Let’s go straight to the source!
Matthew’s journey with CEA began in 2017 in the Perth Branch, after he completed just three weeks of work experience in Year 10. Growing up on a farm, Matthew had the opportunity to work on machines alongside his dad which formed his interest in the industry.
Impressed by his enthusiasm and potential, CEA offered Matthew a 4-year apprenticeship. During this time, he gained hands-on experience working within the workshop and attending site visits alongside a qualified technician.
Today, Matthew is a qualified Mobile Plant Technician with a bright future ahead – his work ranges from workshop to field-based repairs and maintenance as well as some FIFO work to sites across Western Australia.
In 2024, Matthew’s story came full circle when his younger brother, Kristian, followed in his footsteps. Kristian joined CEA to begin his own apprenticeship in Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology, inspired by Matthew’s success and growth. Kristian is now 1 year into his apprenticeship and going strong.
Matthew’s journey is a great example of where passion, persistence, and the right opportunity can lead, and how CEA continues to invest in people and their potential.
Land an Exciting Job in the Mechanical Industry Today!
The path to joining the mechanical industry is no longer a one-way street; it’s a highway with plenty of exits, detours, and opportunities to level up! Whether you’re looking for jobs in the mechanical industry that take you beyond the bonnet or you’re curious about alternative careers for mechanics, CEA shows what’s possible when you mix passion with the right support and training.
With apprenticeships, mentoring, and a wide variety of machinery to work on, CEA is all about giving young mechanics a place to grow; both in the workshop and beyond. So, if you’re ready to step into a high-powered career where no two days are the same, don’t wait. Launch your career in the fast lane by landing a job in the mechanical industry today!
