South Metropolitan TAFE has officially listed AUM20218-AB70 the Certificate II in Automotive Manufacturing Production – Bus, Truck and Trailer (Vehicle Body Building Pre-Apprenticeship) in its 2026 VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS) course guide — and that’s great news for Western Australia’s heavy vehicle and manufacturing industry.
This nationally recognised qualification (AUM20218-AB70) will now be offered to Year 9, 10 and 11 students, allowing them to get a head start on their careers while still at school.
The structure is simple and flexible: students attend school Monday to Wednesday and then transition to TAFE on Thursday and Friday, blending academic learning with practical, hands-on trade skills.
It’s a significant win for the sector — and it didn’t happen by chance, says HVIA’s National Manager – Skills, Training and Workforce Development, Michael Rose.
“This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking training solution our industry needs,” he says.
“Building a pipeline of skilled tradespeople in bus, truck and trailer manufacturing is critical — and programs like this are only possible thanks to the combined efforts of South Metropolitan TAFE, the Mining and Automotive Training Council, and industry stakeholders working together across WA.”
With demand for skilled body builders and automotive fabricators on the rise, this pre-apprenticeship provides a clear and supported entry pathway. It also helps promote vocational education to students earlier, setting them up for long-term success and responding to workforce needs in real time.
Applications open June 30, 2025 and close August 29, 2025. Schools and students are encouraged to connect with their VET Coordinators for more information.
“This is a great start — but now the focus shifts to ensuring the Certificate III in Automotive Manufacturing Technical Operations – Bus, Truck and Trailer (AUM30218) is included on the ‘Fee-Free and Low-Fee Skills Ready’ training list,” Michael adds.
“That next step will require continued collaboration between training providers, industry and government to build a full training pathway that meets workforce demand.”