Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers

What Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers does

The Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME) is an Australian, privately held, membership-based professional institute founded in 1936 and headquartered in Auburn, New South Wales, with a satellite office supporting operations in Western Australia. IAME serves automotive mechanical industry professionals across Australia and New Zealand through a graded membership system (Associate to Master Member MMIAME) benchmarked to Australian Qualifications Framework levels, charging AUD $103-$333 per member per year with free first-year student membership and free apprentice membership until qualification completion.

IAME operates a Registered Training Organisation (RTO No. 90409) delivering nationally recognised Certificate II-IV qualifications in light vehicle mechanical, heavy commercial, electrical, air conditioning, body repair and refinishing, and transmission technologies, delivered via on-the-job workplace training, the Auburn training centre, and government-subsidised pathways through Skills Canberra and Smart and Skilled. The institute holds ARC Authority No. AU30624 for automotive air conditioning licensing and conducts Third Party Skills Assessments in Western Australia for Motor Vehicle Repairer's Certificates. Specialist sub-brands include the Australasian Automatic Transmission Rebuilders (AATR) division (founded 1982) and the Australian Autoglass Industry Alliance (AAIA), both consolidated under the IAME Group of Companies.

Monetisation combines recurring membership subscriptions with episodic training fees (AUD $1,250-$1,800 per subsidised course), product referrals (10% member discounts via supplier partners including Endeavour Tools, Launch Tech Australia, and Auto Test Products), and a transactional Online Print Shop for workshop stationery. Go-to-market relies on dedicated Automotive Specialists providing field-based technical advice across all Australian states, supported by Trade Nights, Branch Information Sessions, and seminars. There is no parent company, no disclosed funding rounds, and no public revenue or ownership disclosures.

Name

Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers

Legal name

Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers

Website

https://iame.com.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1936

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME) is an Australian membership-based automotive professional institute, founded in 1936, serving mechanics, apprentices, and workshops across Australia and New Zealand with graded membership, RTO-accredited vocational training, supplier discounts, and industry representation through specialist divisions including AATR and AAIA.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Industry Association Services

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513)

SIC

Wholesale-Industrial Machinery & Equipment (5084)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAOAEAB

Automotive Diagnostics & Electrical Systems

Education/Vocational, Technical & Trade Education/Automotive, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Trades

SECONDARYEDAOAEAD

Automotive Parts, Service Advising & Shop Operations

Education/Vocational, Technical & Trade Education/Automotive, Diesel & Heavy Equipment Trades

SECONDARYEDABALAB

Automotive

Education/Corporate Training & Professional Development/Industry-Specific Professional Training (e.g., Healthcare, Manufacturing, Construction)

Keywords

• Automotive industry training
• Professional membership association
• Vocational skills assessment
• Automotive technical education
• Industry certification services

Headquarters

HQ city

Granville

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Annual membership fees from Personal, Corporate, Student, and Retired members. Personal membership is AUD $290/year, Corporate is AUD $333/year, Student and Retired are AUD $103/year. Fee is inclusive of GST and may be tax deductible.
2. Training and Education Services: IAME is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO No. 90409) providing pre-apprenticeship courses, apprenticeship training, fee-for-service training courses, and Recognition of Prior Learning programs. Training fees include Tuition Fee of $1,800 for ACT eligible students and $1,250 for air conditioning courses.
3. Products and Equipment Sales: Sale of automotive tools, equipment, workshop supplies, books, and manuals through exclusive supplier partnerships. Members receive 10% discount on products and equipment from suppliers including Endeavour Tools, Launch Tech Australia, and Auto Test Products.
4. Print Shop Services: Full range of printing services for personal and business purposes including business cards, letterheads, repair order job cards, tax invoice books, service stickers, and vehicle service record books. Members receive exclusive 10% discount.
5. Third Party Skills Assessments (WA): Skills assessments for motor mechanics in Western Australia to obtain Motor Vehicle Repairer's Certificate. Available for candidates with overseas qualifications or significant industry experience without formal qualifications.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME) is a not-for-profit industry association founded in 1936 that delivers tiered membership subscriptions (Personal, Corporate, Student, Retired) and Registered Training Organization (RTO 90409) accredited automotive vocational training, including air conditioning (AUR20220), pre-apprenticeship, Recognition of Prior Learning, and skills assessments for automotive trade credentials. It also operates the IAME Print Shop for industry printing needs and runs member trade nights and career support services.

Product overview

The Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers (IAME) operates as a membership-based automotive industry organisation established in 1936, offering a multi-layered portfolio of products and services. The core offerings include: (1) Graded Membership with AQF-benchmarked tiers (Associate to Master Member) providing industry representation and professional recognition; (2) RTO 90409 vocational training qualifications spanning Certificate II through IV levels in automotive specialisations; (3) The Australasian Automatic Transmission Rebuilders (AATR) division for transmission specialists; (4) The Australian Autoglass Industry Alliance (AAIA) for auto glass businesses; (5) An Online Print Shop providing automotive workshop stationery and signage; (6) Automotive tools and equipment distribution through supplier partnerships; (7) Trade Nights for professional development; and (8) Third Party Skills Assessments for Western Australian motor mechanics. These offerings are interconnected through a membership model that provides discounts on products and access to training, with the AATR and AAIA operating as distinct specialist divisions under the IAME Group of Companies umbrella.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AATR (Australasian Automatic Transmission Rebuilders): A division of IAME that brings together a professional, highly skilled and dedicated group of transmission repairers in Australia and New Zealand.
• AAIA (Australian Autoglass Industry Alliance)

Products and services

• Personal Membership Annual individual membership at $290/year for qualified and practicing automotive mechanical engineers and technicians, providing industry affiliation, access to trade nights, training programs, and member benefits.
• Corporate Membership Annual corporate membership at $333/year for automotive businesses, workshops, and dealerships, providing multiple staff affiliations and access to IAME training and member services.
• Student Membership Annual student membership at $103/year (first year free) for apprentices and students entering the automotive trade, providing access to career resources, training pathways, and trade nights.
• Retired Membership Annual retired membership at $103/year for retired automotive mechanical engineers who wish to remain connected with the institute, attend events, and access print and member services.
• Air Conditioning Training (AUR20220) Nationally recognized vocational training course in automotive air conditioning (AUR20220) delivered by IAME as a Registered Training Organization for automotive trade practitioners and students seeking refrigerant handling certification.
• Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program Pre-apprenticeship training pathway delivered under IAME's RTO accreditation, providing entry-level automotive skills and a route into formal automotive apprenticeships for prospective students.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Skills Assessments Recognition of Prior Learning assessment service for automotive trade credentials, enabling experienced practitioners to obtain formal qualifications for the skills they already hold.
• Skills Assessments Automotive skills assessment service delivered through IAME's Auburn, NSW office with a supporting presence in Western Australia for trade qualification and credentialing purposes.
• IAME Print Shop Services Commercial printing services offered through the institute's own print shop, providing printing materials to members and industry customers.
• Trade Nights Recurring member-only trade nights hosted by the institute to bring automotive industry practitioners and suppliers together for networking, product updates, and industry engagement.
• Consumer Automotive Consulting Consumer automotive consulting services provided through IAME's network of consultants, offering independent expert advice to vehicle owners and the general public.

Quantifiable outcome

• 10% member discount on products and equipment from supplier partners
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Australian Autoglass Industry Alliance (AAIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAAIA is a national network of locally owned and operated, independent businesses around Australia specialising in repair and replacement of auto glass for all makes and models. Independent Autoglass businesses make up the biggest repair network in Australia. AAIA has amalgamated under the IAME Group of Companies.
• Australasian Automatic Transmission Rebuilders (AATR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAATR is a division of IAME bringing together professional, highly skilled transmission repairers in Australia and New Zealand. Founded in 1982, AATR assists members and the automatic transmission industry to stay abreast of technical information and trends. Members are independently owned businesses covering every state in Australia and both islands of New Zealand.
• Capricorn Society LimitedmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerCapricorn Society is the largest independent automotive parts buying co-operative in Australia owned by its members. Benefits include instant credit, competitive pricing, hundreds of suppliers, simplified accounting, reward points, 24/7 free online technical data, member's travel agency, insurance, and financial services. IAME members can pay membership fees through Capricorn accounts.
• AlemlubeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAlemlube is an Australian owned and operated company servicing the automotive industry for over 50 years. They bring to market the latest workshop equipment including vehicle hoists, wheel service equipment, on-can service machines, oil storage and reticulation, and turnkey workshop fit-outs.
• Automotive Training Board NSW (ATB NSW)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerATB NSW is an industry body providing information and advice on training needs of the automotive industry. The Board represents the industry to government on future training needs and training policy. IAME is one of the major associations on the Board alongside BIA, MTA, SSA, and the union AMWU.
• Construction & Mining Equipment Industry Group (CMEIG)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCMEIG is a non-profit organisation representing the construction and mining equipment industry throughout Australia including manufacturers, importers, suppliers and service organisations. The Association combines all disciplines to create a forum for continuous improvements in the industry.
• Skills CanberramajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIAME is proud to be a Skills Canberra Provider. The ACT Government supports vocational training through Skills Canberra by subsidising training costs for eligible residents. Eligible students pay reduced Tuition Fees through this government partnership.
• Smart and Skilled (NSW Government)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIAME is proud to be a New South Wales Smart and Skilled Provider, offering subsidised vocational training to eligible NSW residents.
• Endeavour ToolsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEndeavour Tools is one of Australia's leading wholesale distributors of premium quality automotive and industrial hand tools representing over 20 leading global brands, specialising in automotive diagnostic tools, engine, tyre and workshop tools, air tools, hand tools, lifting clamps, and safety tools. IAME members receive 10% discount.
• Launch Tech AustraliamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLaunch Tech Australia is the major distributor of LAUNCH products providing automotive workshop equipment including diagnostic scan tools, ADAS calibration equipment, vehicle hoists, wheel aligners, tyre changers, wheel balancers, battery testers and flushing machines. IAME members receive 10% discount.
• Auto Test ProductsmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuto Test provides a range of state-of-the-art automotive testing and diagnostic products designed to improve accuracy of test results for safety regulations. Products include brake testers, window tint testers, battery testers, headlight testers and suspension testers. IAME members receive 10% discount.
• ARCtick (Australian Refrigeration Council)majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerIAME holds ARC Authority No. AU30624 and works with ARCtick for automotive air conditioning licensing. Students can obtain ARC Trainee Automotive Air Conditioning Licence (CL000) through the training programme, and qualified professionals can obtain full Refrigerant Handling Licences.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Repco (GPC Asia Pacific): Major Australian automotive aftermarket parts distributor and retailer. Comparable supplier ecosystem position to IAME's tool/equipment partners, with broader product reach and trade customer support services.
• TAFE NSW: Government-funded vocational training provider competing with IAME's RTO 90409 for automotive apprenticeship enrolments. Comparable training offerings (Cert II–IV in light vehicle, heavy vehicle, auto electrical) at subsidised prices.
• Capricorn Society Limited: Australia's largest automotive parts buying cooperative, also an IAME partner. Comparable as a member-owned automotive organisation providing financial, supplier, and benefits services to workshops across Australia and New Zealand.

Emerging players

• Auto Care Association: US-based trade association for the automotive aftermarket. Comparable as a membership organisation serving independent automotive service businesses, though focused on the North American market rather than Australia/NZ.

Others

• Australian Refrigeration Council (ARCtick): National regulator for refrigerant handling licences. IAME holds ARC Authority AU30624 and works with ARCtick as a licensing partner. Comparable as a regulated authority in the automotive air conditioning licensing ecosystem.
• Bosch Automotive Aftermarket Australia: Major automotive tooling, diagnostics, and training provider. Comparable to IAME's tool supplier partnerships (Endeavour Tools, Launch Tech) and offers OEM-branded technician training that competes with IAME's RTO offerings.

Direct peers

• Motor Traders' Association of NSW (MTA NSW): Direct competitor industry body representing automotive retailers, repairers, and service operators in NSW. Overlaps with IAME on membership representation, training delivery, government advocacy, and member benefits for workshops.
• Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce (VACC): Victoria's peak automotive industry body providing membership, training (RTO), and industry advocacy. Comparable to IAME in structure (membership association + RTO) and services, but primarily serving Victorian members.
• Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA): National industry association representing the automotive aftermarket including parts manufacturers, distributors, and service providers. Comparable as a national membership body serving the same automotive ecosystem IAME addresses.

Regional players

• Motor Industry Association of New Zealand (MIA): New Zealand's national industry association for the automotive sector. Comparable as a trans-Tasman membership and training body serving overlapping member populations across NZ where IAME also operates.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Instagraminstagram.com/iameaustralia
• Facebookfacebook.com/IAME-Australia-100695344730730

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers