Diploma of Automotive Management

The Diploma of Automotive Management is a one-year qualification for people who want to run the business side of a workshop, dealership or automotive service operation. It sits at the diploma level on the Australian Qualifications Framework, which means it is practical, industry-focused and normally delivered over two or three study periods across the year rather than the longer semesters of a degree. You will study units of study that carry credit points, covering areas such as workshop operations, staff supervision, customer service, financial record keeping and compliance with Australian automotive regulations. The exact unit list is set by Central Australian College and should be confirmed on the official course page.

What you actually study

Expect a mix of management fundamentals and automotive-specific content. Typical topics include managing a automotive workplace, leading teams, maintaining business records, controlling stock and parts inventory, and understanding workplace health and safety obligations. Assessment is usually a combination of written tasks, practical projects and case studies based on real workshop scenarios. Some units may involve a work placement or simulated workplace tasks, which gives you experience with the daily pressures of a service centre. The course is delivered by Central Australian College under CRICOS code 120374E, so it is registered for international students.

How it fits together

As a diploma, this is a stand-alone qualification that can also be a pathway into a bachelor degree in business or automotive management, with credit for your completed units. There is no honours year at this level. The one-year duration means you move through the content quickly, so you need to be ready to keep up with assessments. If you are an international student, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session, and after you finish you may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream, depending on your circumstances. Always check the current rules with the Department of Home Affairs.

Who it suits

This diploma suits people who already have some automotive trade experience and want to step into a supervisor or manager role, or those who have completed a Certificate III or IV in automotive and want to build business skills. It also works for international students who want an Australian qualification that leads directly to employment in the automotive service industry. English proficiency is required: IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common standard for courses at this level, with TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the college's own English programmes accepted as equivalents. The Student visa has a separate English threshold set by the Department of Home Affairs. Tuition fees are published on the CRICOS register. Confirm all details, including intake dates and unit structure, on the official Central Australian College page.

• Automotive service manager – running the daily operations of a workshop, managing staff, scheduling jobs and dealing with customers.
• Workshop supervisor – leading a team of technicians, checking work quality and making sure safety rules are followed.
• Parts and inventory manager – ordering, storing and controlling stock for a dealership or repair business.
• Customer service manager – handling bookings, complaints and service advisors in a dealership or chain workshop.
• Small business owner – operating your own automotive repair or service business.
• Fleet maintenance coordinator – managing vehicles for a company, government department or hire firm.

These roles are found across Australia in new car dealerships, independent repair shops, national chains, fleet operators and government workshops. The diploma also gives you credit towards further study in business or automotive management if you want to move into higher-level management or teaching.