Small Engine Mechanic (ANZSCO 321214)

    Updated

    What a Small Engine Mechanic does

    Maintains, tests and repairs engines of chainsaws, lawn mowers, garden tractors and other equipment with small engines. Registration or licensing may be required.

    Specialisations
    Chainsaw Mechanic, Lawnmower Mechanic, Outboard Motor Mechanic

    Key facts

    ANZSCO code
    321214
    Skill level
    3Certificate IV, or Certificate III with on-the-job training
    Visas that list it
    189190491482186494
    Assessing authority
    TRA
    National shortage
    Shortage

    Visa options

    Occupation eligibility is one requirement; each visa page links to the rest.

    Main tasks

    • detecting and diagnosing mechanical and electrical faults in engines and parts
    • dismantling and removing engine assemblies, transmissions, steering mechanisms and other components, and checking parts
    • repairing and replacing worn and defective parts and reassembling mechanical components, and referring to service manuals as needed
    • performing scheduled maintenance services, such as oil changes, lubrications and engine tune-ups, to achieve smoother running of vehicles and ensure compliance with pollution regulations
    • reassembling engines and parts after being repaired
    • testing and adjusting mechanical parts after being repaired for proper performance
    • diagnosing and testing parts with the assistance of computers
    • may inspect vehicles and issue roadworthiness certificates or detail work required to achieve roadworthiness
    • may respond to vehicle breakdown service calls

    Shortage by state

    • NationalShortage
    • ACTShortage
    • NSWShortage
    • NTShortage
    • QLDShortage
    • SAShortage
    • TASShortage
    • VICShortage
    • WAShortage

    State and territory nomination

    For the 190 and 491, each state and territory also has its own occupation list.

    Common questions

    What does a Small Engine Mechanic do?

    Maintains, tests and repairs engines of chainsaws, lawn mowers, garden tractors and other equipment with small engines. Registration or licensing may be required. (ABS ANZSCO description.)

    Is Small Engine Mechanic on the skilled occupation list?

    Yes. Small Engine Mechanic (ANZSCO 321214) is on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) (lists in force from 14 December 2024). It is listed for the 186, 189, 190, 482, 491 and 494 visas.

    What is the ANZSCO code for Small Engine Mechanic?

    321214. Home Affairs uses ANZSCO codes for skilled visas.

    How can a Small Engine Mechanic migrate to Australia?

    The occupation lists Home Affairs publishes include Small Engine Mechanic for the Subclass 186, Subclass 189, Subclass 190, Subclass 482, Subclass 491 and Subclass 494 visas. Being on a list is one requirement among several; each visa's page links to Home Affairs for the rest.

    Who assesses Small Engine Mechanic for an Australian visa?

    TRA, the skills assessing authority listed for 321214.

    Is Small Engine Mechanic in demand in Australia?

    Jobs and Skills Australia rated it "Shortage" nationally in its 2025 Occupation Shortage List, with ratings for each state and territory shown above.

    Sources

    1. 1Department of Home Affairs, skilled occupation listimmi.homeaffairs.gov.au
    2. 2Australian Bureau of Statistics, ANZSCO – Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations, 2022, CC BY 4.0abs.gov.au
    3. 3Jobs and Skills Australia, Occupation Shortage List, 2025 listjobsandskills.gov.au