APPRENTICE - COACH BUILDER, AUTO ELECTRICIAN, HEAVY VEHICLE MECHANIC

Do you love what you do? Our Apprentices are learning every day, new challenges, new skills and a chance to grow, in a supportive and passionate team environment. 

Personnel Area: Transport for Brisbane 

Branch: Engineering and Asset Management   

Salary Range: AUD $553.80 - $1390.00 (20 years and under) AUD$1141.00 - $1246.60 (21 years and over) per 38-hour week, 9-day fortnight, plus 14% super, personal leave, tool allowances, uniform and all PPE provided. (Remuneration stated is for the full-time positions)  

Work type: Temporary Full-time x 17 positions

Duration: up to 4 years to gain a nationally recognised trade qualification

Locations: Toowong, Mount Gravatt (Garden City), Carina, Sherwood and Eagle Farm

Brisbane City Council is one of the largest local governments in the Asia-Pacific region and one of the biggest employers in Queensland. We have more than 300 job types across a broad range of service areas, with roles that serve our community. We employ an inclusive and diverse workforce, with great benefits and flexible work options. A job with us offers skill development, career mobility and access to benefits that matter.  

As an apprentice with Brisbane City Council, you will get the training, support and mentoring you need to get involved in a range of tasks. You don’t need prior experience to apply, you just need to be curious and motivated to learn. Training will be delivered by block release or in the workplace, tailored to each candidate. Our apprenticeship program provides you with the skills, training and experience to develop a long-term career in the industry, by gaining a nationally recognised qualification. 

Join a highly skilled team, responsible for keeping first and second line maintenance on one of the largest bus fleets in Australia moving. Learn on the job, heavy manual work, in top class garages based at bus depots in Toowong, Sherwood, Garden City, Carina, Eagle Farm, Willawong and Virginia.  

Life's easy when you get greasy - Tell us which trade you are passionate about? 

Apprentice Coach/Body Builders at Toowong Workshops (bus, truck and trailer, auto manufacturing) 

Learn the technical skills in Auto Manufacturing to safely and effectively replace and repair bus and vehicle body panels and fittings. Panel beat or repair different body components for buses, using a variety of techniques. Paint, weld and refurbish, using your creative skills to ensure fit for purpose repairs on buses including: 

• create or repair framework sections in steel and aluminium, using state of the art welders (Mig and Tig)  
• design and build chassis alterations in consultation with onsite engineers and repair and remake fibreglass components 
• plan and fit mechanised equipment 
• cut and replace wooden flooring and alter assembly line vehicles for special requirements 
• turn out sheet metal components using onsite guillotine and sheet metal folder. 

Apprentice Auto Electricians at Toowong and Eagle Farm 

Learn how to service and repair electrical systems and components in vehicles in the automotive electrical service and repair industry. Install, maintain and repair electrical wiring and computer-based equipment for Council buses including: 

• testing, replacing, reconditioning and installing equipment including alternators, starter motors and batteries 
• repairing or replacing faulty ignitions, electrical wiring, fuses, lamps and switches with specialist tools and machines. 

Apprentice Heavy Vehicle Mechanics at Garden City, Sherwood, Eagle Farm and Carina 

Learn how to find problems, repair and service a range of systems and components of heavy vehicles and equipment. Tune, maintain and test mechanical components, including engines, transmissions and suspension systems on a variety of heavy vehicles and buses: 

• find and understand mechanical and electrical faults 
• repair and maintain hydraulic/pneumatic components 
• use welding, hand fitting or machining processes to replace or repair faulty parts. 

What do we offer? 

• above award wages and additional allowances and benefits 
• supportive training, while working towards a Mechanical Trade Qualification 
• full uniform, tool allowance and safety boots provided 
• buddy with an experienced, qualified technician 
• employee assistance program to support overall wellbeing. 

What do you bring?  

• a passion and interest in vehicles, mechanics, and the motor industry 
• you can put safety first in a workshop space 
• you can learn on the job and in the classroom 
• you follow instructions, problem solve, listen, question and learn 
• you take pride and ownership in the work you do and enjoy working in a team 
• have a current driver’s licence and ideally access to your own transport. 

What do our apprentices say about working with Brisbane City Council? 

“Having the opportunity to take on this apprenticeship gave me the variety and range I was looking for in a trade. It set me up with all the knowledge I needed to be able to make it in the Bus, Truck and Trailer world with the benefit of transferrable skills to use in any other sector of the automotive industry.” Steph, Auto Manufacturing Tradesperson 2024 - Toowong Workshops 

“After completing my apprenticeship as an Auto Electrician at Eagle Farm, I am delighted to now be a dual qualified tradesperson. My prior learning and skills have opened up new prospects and I feel confident with my future in working on our electric fleet." Kyle, Auto Electrician and Refrigeration Engineer Tradesperson 2024 - Eagle Farm garages 

“Despite initially having minimal knowledge in the area, I have gained valuable experience working with a great team, and I am now confident and capable of rebuilding engines and transmissions. I also enjoy a good work-life balance that suits my family commitments and allows me to pursue my passion for working on my motorbike at home.” Michael, final year apprentice 2024 – Garden City Depot, Mount Gravatt 

Benefits of working for Council: CLICK HERE 

How to apply: Click on the 'I’m interested' button to complete your online application.  

Please include responses to the attached document and upload your resume and cover letter listing your passion for the specific trade, along with your interests and skills. 

Shortlisted applicants will be required to attend a small group assessment or interview on 28 or 29 October. If progressed from interview, you will need to be available to attend a medical and functional assessment in mid-November. Successful applicants will commence on 10 February 2025. 

You will be required to undertake a pre-employment medical and functional assessment to assess your ability to perform the genuine occupational requirements of the role. 

Want to know more: Please call Penny Fedin on 07 3178 1155 or email penny.fedin@brisbane.qld.gov.au 

Application Closing Date: Monday 7 October at 11:55pm  

People from diverse backgrounds, including those living with a disability and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, who may have questions about the recruitment process or working at Council, are encouraged to reach out to the contact above, who can connect you with a member of Council’s Diversity and Inclusion team.  

Brisbane City Council is a multi-award winning accessible and inclusive workplace where our people represent the diverse communities we serve, are supported, and can feel safe. Council has been awarded Employer of the Year at the National Disability Awards and has been recognised multiple times with ‘Gold Employer’ status from the Australian Workplace Equality Index for LGBTI inclusion.