Queensland Fire Department logo

Queensland Fire Department

Apprentice Mechanic [Heavy Vehicle] · Cairns, QLD · indoors_workshop

ApprenticeshipContractFull-time

About this role

Queensland Fire Department

Status

Temporary, Full-time

Tenure Period

Maximum period of 4 years

Possibility of Extension

N/A

Classification

FHVAPP

Salary

$1,625.60 - $2,660.00 per fortnight

Division

Queensland Fire Department

Region/Directorate

ASSET SERVICES

Work Unit

Fleet Maintenance

Location

Cairns

Closing Date

Midnight, Monday 12th October 2026

Reference No

QFD/21685/26

Current Queensland Fire Department employees and volunteers must apply via their internal careers site.

About us

The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) provides fire prevention, preparedness and multi-hazard emergency response services to Queensland communities.

Purpose of the role

Our Fleet Maintenance team repairs and maintains QFD's heavy, medium and light commercial fleet and equipment to meet National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Transport and Main Road (TMR) requirements.

We are looking for enthusiastic entry-level school leavers and/or experienced apprentices looking to continue their apprenticeship, who are committed to completing an approximate four year heavy vehicle apprenticeship. Reporting to the Workshop Supervisor, you will learn and assist with the repair, maintenance and installation of fire appliances and associated equipment, under the supervision of a qualified tradesperson.

As an apprentice, you will receive

  • personal protective equipment (PPE) kit

  • quality training and mentoring across the heavy vehicle mechanical trade, with the opportunity to experience the light vehicle trade

  • a safe workplace with some of the best equipment in the industry

  • ongoing career support and guidance

  • the opportunity to learn from a highly skilled, experienced team

  • formal TAFE/Registered Training Organisation studies – earn while you learn

Key requirements

Highly desirable requirements

  • Valid driver’s licence and familiarity with both manual and automatic transmissions.

  • Eligibility for enrolment in or progression towards 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

  • Learn repair, maintenance, manufacture and installation skills in light and heavy vehicles (including automatic and manual transmissions), light fabrication (sheet metal) and auto electrical.

  • Learn through formal training and hands-on work under our trained light and heavy vehicle mechanics.

  • Diagnose faults, including electrical, across the QFD fire appliance fleet and equipment.

  • Work with the Workshop Supervisor and senior mechanics to isolate problems and find practical, safe solutions.

  • Safely use hand and specialised tools, including electronic diagnostic equipment, in line with Workplace Health and Safety requirements.

  • Complete manufacturer and in-house training towards a trade certificate in heavy vehicle road transport.

Capabilities

You will be assessed on these Leadership Competencies for Queensland (Individual Contributor stream – 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 our shared values: Respect, Integrity, Courage, Loyalty and Trust.

QFD is recognised as an employer of choice for women by Work180 and celebrates all diversity.

How to apply

Please refer to the QFD Public Service Application Guide [All PS Classifications/Streams and Senior Officer] for how to apply, and contact us to discuss any reasonable adjustments if required.

Sign in to see your fit

See how well this role matches you — your interests, your readiness, honestly scored.

Length

4 years

TAFE fees

Self-funded

Relocation

Not provided

Living

Live local

Takes first-years

Yes

The honest preview

The good

  • ✓You study at TAFE as part of the job and get paid while you learn.
  • ✓Your day-to-day tasks vary rather than doing the same thing every day.

What surprises people

  • ?Even though it's a four-year apprenticeship, the position is officially temporary/contract, not permanent.
  • ?Working for the Fire Department here means fixing fire trucks in a workshop, not fighting fires.

Typical for this occupation

Industry averages for a qualified Diesel Motor Mechanic, across all employers — not this employer’s offer, and after you finish the apprenticeship, not during.

$1,405/wk

Typical weekly earnings

1%

Share who are women

Stable

Growth outlook

Queensland Fire Department logo

Queensland Fire Department

Apprentice Mechanic [Heavy Vehicle] · Cairns, QLD

ApprenticeshipContractFull-time

About this role

Queensland Fire Department

Status

Temporary, Full-time

Tenure Period

Maximum period of 4 years

Possibility of Extension

N/A

Classification

FHVAPP

Salary

$1,625.60 - $2,660.00 per fortnight

Division

Queensland Fire Department

Region/Directorate

ASSET SERVICES

Work Unit

Fleet Maintenance

Location

Cairns

Closing Date

Midnight, Monday 12th October 2026

Reference No

QFD/21685/26

Current Queensland Fire Department employees and volunteers must apply via their internal careers site.

About us

The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) provides fire prevention, preparedness and multi-hazard emergency response services to Queensland communities.

Purpose of the role

Our Fleet Maintenance team repairs and maintains QFD's heavy, medium and light commercial fleet and equipment to meet National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Transport and Main Road (TMR) requirements.

We are looking for enthusiastic entry-level school leavers and/or experienced apprentices looking to continue their apprenticeship, who are committed to completing an approximate four year heavy vehicle apprenticeship. Reporting to the Workshop Supervisor, you will learn and assist with the repair, maintenance and installation of fire appliances and associated equipment, under the supervision of a qualified tradesperson.

As an apprentice, you will receive

  • personal protective equipment (PPE) kit

  • quality training and mentoring across the heavy vehicle mechanical trade, with the opportunity to experience the light vehicle trade

  • a safe workplace with some of the best equipment in the industry

  • ongoing career support and guidance

  • the opportunity to learn from a highly skilled, experienced team

  • formal TAFE/Registered Training Organisation studies – earn while you learn

Key requirements

Highly desirable requirements

  • Valid driver’s licence and familiarity with both manual and automatic transmissions.

  • Eligibility for enrolment in or progression towards 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

  • Learn repair, maintenance, manufacture and installation skills in light and heavy vehicles (including automatic and manual transmissions), light fabrication (sheet metal) and auto electrical.

  • Learn through formal training and hands-on work under our trained light and heavy vehicle mechanics.

  • Diagnose faults, including electrical, across the QFD fire appliance fleet and equipment.

  • Work with the Workshop Supervisor and senior mechanics to isolate problems and find practical, safe solutions.

  • Safely use hand and specialised tools, including electronic diagnostic equipment, in line with Workplace Health and Safety requirements.

  • Complete manufacturer and in-house training towards a trade certificate in heavy vehicle road transport.

Capabilities

You will be assessed on these Leadership Competencies for Queensland (Individual Contributor stream – 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 our shared values: Respect, Integrity, Courage, Loyalty and Trust.

QFD is recognised as an employer of choice for women by Work180 and celebrates all diversity.

How to apply

Please refer to the QFD Public Service Application Guide [All PS Classifications/Streams and Senior Officer] for how to apply, and contact us to discuss any reasonable adjustments if required.

The honest preview

The good

  • ✓You study at TAFE as part of the job and get paid while you learn.
  • ✓Your day-to-day tasks vary rather than doing the same thing every day.

What surprises people

  • ?Even though it's a four-year apprenticeship, the position is officially temporary/contract, not permanent.
  • ?Working for the Fire Department here means fixing fire trucks in a workshop, not fighting fires.

Typical for this occupation

Industry averages for a qualified Diesel Motor Mechanic, across all employers — not this employer’s offer, and after you finish the apprenticeship, not during.

$1,405/wk

Typical weekly earnings

1%

Share who are women

Stable

Growth outlook

Queensland Fire Department logo

Queensland Fire Department

Apprentice Mechanic [Heavy Vehicle] · Cairns, QLD · indoors_workshop

ApprenticeshipContractFull-time

About this role

Queensland Fire Department

Status

Temporary, Full-time

Tenure Period

Maximum period of 4 years

Possibility of Extension

N/A

Classification

FHVAPP

Salary

$1,625.60 - $2,660.00 per fortnight

Division

Queensland Fire Department

Region/Directorate

ASSET SERVICES

Work Unit

Fleet Maintenance

Location

Cairns

Closing Date

Midnight, Monday 12th October 2026

Reference No

QFD/21685/26

Current Queensland Fire Department employees and volunteers must apply via their internal careers site.

About us

The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) provides fire prevention, preparedness and multi-hazard emergency response services to Queensland communities.

Purpose of the role

Our Fleet Maintenance team repairs and maintains QFD's heavy, medium and light commercial fleet and equipment to meet National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Transport and Main Road (TMR) requirements.

We are looking for enthusiastic entry-level school leavers and/or experienced apprentices looking to continue their apprenticeship, who are committed to completing an approximate four year heavy vehicle apprenticeship. Reporting to the Workshop Supervisor, you will learn and assist with the repair, maintenance and installation of fire appliances and associated equipment, under the supervision of a qualified tradesperson.

As an apprentice, you will receive

  • personal protective equipment (PPE) kit

  • quality training and mentoring across the heavy vehicle mechanical trade, with the opportunity to experience the light vehicle trade

  • a safe workplace with some of the best equipment in the industry

  • ongoing career support and guidance

  • the opportunity to learn from a highly skilled, experienced team

  • formal TAFE/Registered Training Organisation studies – earn while you learn

Key requirements

Highly desirable requirements

  • Valid driver’s licence and familiarity with both manual and automatic transmissions.

  • Eligibility for enrolment in or progression towards 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

  • Learn repair, maintenance, manufacture and installation skills in light and heavy vehicles (including automatic and manual transmissions), light fabrication (sheet metal) and auto electrical.

  • Learn through formal training and hands-on work under our trained light and heavy vehicle mechanics.

  • Diagnose faults, including electrical, across the QFD fire appliance fleet and equipment.

  • Work with the Workshop Supervisor and senior mechanics to isolate problems and find practical, safe solutions.

  • Safely use hand and specialised tools, including electronic diagnostic equipment, in line with Workplace Health and Safety requirements.

  • Complete manufacturer and in-house training towards a trade certificate in heavy vehicle road transport.

Capabilities

You will be assessed on these Leadership Competencies for Queensland (Individual Contributor stream – 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 our shared values: Respect, Integrity, Courage, Loyalty and Trust.

QFD is recognised as an employer of choice for women by Work180 and celebrates all diversity.

How to apply

Please refer to the QFD Public Service Application Guide [All PS Classifications/Streams and Senior Officer] for how to apply, and contact us to discuss any reasonable adjustments if required.

Sign in to see your fit

See how well this role matches you — your interests, your readiness, honestly scored.

Length

4 years

TAFE fees

Self-funded

Relocation

Not provided

Living

Live local

Takes first-years

Yes

The honest preview

The good

  • ✓You study at TAFE as part of the job and get paid while you learn.
  • ✓Your day-to-day tasks vary rather than doing the same thing every day.

What surprises people

  • ?Even though it's a four-year apprenticeship, the position is officially temporary/contract, not permanent.
  • ?Working for the Fire Department here means fixing fire trucks in a workshop, not fighting fires.

Typical for this occupation

Industry averages for a qualified Diesel Motor Mechanic, across all employers — not this employer’s offer, and after you finish the apprenticeship, not during.

$1,405/wk

Typical weekly earnings

1%

Share who are women

Stable

Growth outlook

Queensland Fire Department logo

Queensland Fire Department

Apprentice Mechanic [Heavy Vehicle] · Cairns, QLD

ApprenticeshipContractFull-time

About this role

Queensland Fire Department

Status

Temporary, Full-time

Tenure Period

Maximum period of 4 years

Possibility of Extension

N/A

Classification

FHVAPP

Salary

$1,625.60 - $2,660.00 per fortnight

Division

Queensland Fire Department

Region/Directorate

ASSET SERVICES

Work Unit

Fleet Maintenance

Location

Cairns

Closing Date

Midnight, Monday 12th October 2026

Reference No

QFD/21685/26

Current Queensland Fire Department employees and volunteers must apply via their internal careers site.

About us

The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) provides fire prevention, preparedness and multi-hazard emergency response services to Queensland communities.

Purpose of the role

Our Fleet Maintenance team repairs and maintains QFD's heavy, medium and light commercial fleet and equipment to meet National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) and Transport and Main Road (TMR) requirements.

We are looking for enthusiastic entry-level school leavers and/or experienced apprentices looking to continue their apprenticeship, who are committed to completing an approximate four year heavy vehicle apprenticeship. Reporting to the Workshop Supervisor, you will learn and assist with the repair, maintenance and installation of fire appliances and associated equipment, under the supervision of a qualified tradesperson.

As an apprentice, you will receive

  • personal protective equipment (PPE) kit

  • quality training and mentoring across the heavy vehicle mechanical trade, with the opportunity to experience the light vehicle trade

  • a safe workplace with some of the best equipment in the industry

  • ongoing career support and guidance

  • the opportunity to learn from a highly skilled, experienced team

  • formal TAFE/Registered Training Organisation studies – earn while you learn

Key requirements

Highly desirable requirements

  • Valid driver’s licence and familiarity with both manual and automatic transmissions.

  • Eligibility for enrolment in or progression towards 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

  • Learn repair, maintenance, manufacture and installation skills in light and heavy vehicles (including automatic and manual transmissions), light fabrication (sheet metal) and auto electrical.

  • Learn through formal training and hands-on work under our trained light and heavy vehicle mechanics.

  • Diagnose faults, including electrical, across the QFD fire appliance fleet and equipment.

  • Work with the Workshop Supervisor and senior mechanics to isolate problems and find practical, safe solutions.

  • Safely use hand and specialised tools, including electronic diagnostic equipment, in line with Workplace Health and Safety requirements.

  • Complete manufacturer and in-house training towards a trade certificate in heavy vehicle road transport.

Capabilities

You will be assessed on these Leadership Competencies for Queensland (Individual Contributor stream – 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 our shared values: Respect, Integrity, Courage, Loyalty and Trust.

QFD is recognised as an employer of choice for women by Work180 and celebrates all diversity.

How to apply

Please refer to the QFD Public Service Application Guide [All PS Classifications/Streams and Senior Officer] for how to apply, and contact us to discuss any reasonable adjustments if required.

The honest preview

The good

  • ✓You study at TAFE as part of the job and get paid while you learn.
  • ✓Your day-to-day tasks vary rather than doing the same thing every day.

What surprises people

  • ?Even though it's a four-year apprenticeship, the position is officially temporary/contract, not permanent.
  • ?Working for the Fire Department here means fixing fire trucks in a workshop, not fighting fires.

Typical for this occupation

Industry averages for a qualified Diesel Motor Mechanic, across all employers — not this employer’s offer, and after you finish the apprenticeship, not during.

$1,405/wk

Typical weekly earnings

1%

Share who are women

Stable

Growth outlook