Apprentice Mechanic [Heavy Vehicle]

About us

The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) provides fire prevention, preparedness and response services to fire in the built and landscape environments, as well as scientific and specialist capabilities to Queensland communities. The QFD provides a multi-hazard emergency response, including road crash rescue, bushfire, hazardous material, technical and vertical rescue, severe weather incidents, remote and swiftwater rescue, and provides a number of functions supporting community safety outcomes.

The department encompasses Queensland Fire and Rescue (QFR), Rural Fire Service Queensland (RFSQ), as well as the broader department which work together to pre-empt, prevent, mitigate and manage the consequences of fires and other emergencies on Queensland communities and support our large volunteer membership across the state.

The QFD is an organisation that is committed to reframing the department’s relationship with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities, and organisations through activities identified in the QFD Reframing the Relationship Plan, contributing to Closing the Gap outcomes and building our cultural capability.

Purpose of the role

The Fleet Operations team leads fleet mechanical services and scheduled vehicle inspections to meet regulatory requirements and comply with the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Transport and Main Road (TMR) legislative guidelines. The Fleet Maintenance team provides repairs and maintenance services through the full lifecycle management and best practice approach to ensure all heavy, medium and light commercial fleet assets and equipment are fit for purpose and maintained to meet the complex environment in which they are deployed and utilised, and to meet operational capability and organisational objectives.

We are currently looking for enthusiastic entry-level school leavers and/or experience apprentices looking to continue their apprenticeships with commitment to complete an approximate four year heavy vehicle apprenticeship, whilst working in the QFD Fleet Maintenance workshops and teams responsible for the repair and maintenance of light and heavy vehicles and equipment. Reporting to the Workshop Supervisor, you will be a key member of the team learning and assisting with the repair, maintenance and installation of fire appliances, under the supervision of a qualified trades person, including associated ancillary equipment and systems to ensure they comply with the heavy vehicle legislation and regulations.

As an apprentice, you will receive:

• personal protective equipment (PPE) kit
• quality training and mentoring in all aspects of the heavy vehicle mechanical trade, with the opportunity to experience the light vehicle trade
• a safe working environment with some of the best equipment in the industry
• ongoing career support and guidance
• the opportunity to learn from highly skilled, experienced and passionate team
• complete formal TAFE/Registered Training Organisation studies – earn while you learn.

Key requirements

Highly desirable requirements 

• Valid driver’s licence and be familiar with both manual and automatic transmission types.
• Eligibility for enrolment in or progression towards achievement of the relevant Trade Certificate in, Heavy Vehicle Mechanic, or other Trade Certificate as deemed suitable by the Commissioner, QFD.
• Commitment to complete a four year apprenticeship and obtain a nationally recognised qualification.

Your key accountabilities

Your part in the ongoing success of our department, in supporting key frontline services will see you responsible for a variety of work, including, but not limited to:

• Ability to acquire knowledge and the understanding of repairs, maintenance, manufacture, installation skills in the areas of: light vehicles, heavy vehicles (including automatic and manual transmissions), light fabrication (sheet metal) and auto electrical.
• Learn how to repair vehicles through formal training sessions and hands on work experience, under the careful supervision of our trained light and heavy vehicle mechanics.
• Ability to acquire knowledge to diagnose potential faults, including electrical for the QFD fire appliance fleet and equipment, via the repairs and maintenance schedule and learn how to successfully repair all types of vehicle mechanical problems.
• Listen, absorb information and communicate with the Workshop Supervisor and senior mechanics to learn how to isolate problems and provide practical and safe solutions in relation to fire appliances and associated equipment at the completion of each maintenance exercise.
• Competently and safely use hand and specialised tools including electronic diagnostic equipment, ensuring all work is carried out in compliance with Workplace Health and Safety requirements.
• Participate in ongoing manufacturer and in-house training to maintain competencies and acquire a trade certificate in the area of: heavy vehicle road transport.

Capabilities

To determine your suitability for the role, you will be assessed on the following Leadership Competencies for Queensland behavioural profiles that link to the “key accountabilities” for this role:

Leadership Competency Stream – Individual Contributor (leading self)

Vision

• Stimulates ideas and innovation
• Makes insightful decisions

Results

• Builds enduring relationships
• Drives accountability and outcomes

Accountability

• Fosters healthy and inclusive workplaces
• Demonstrates sound governance

Once you join us we will want you to exemplify the QFD shared values:

• Respect
• Integrity
• Courage
• Loyalty
• Trust