Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (Apprenticeship)

Course Code MEM31922
Locations Portland

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Study Mode Apprenticeship
Length Four years
Commencement Start any time
Timetable 12, three-day blocks per year for the first three years plus on-the-job training
Course Overview
Introduction

This apprenticeship provides you with the skills and knowledge for a career as an engineering tradesperson - fabrication. You will learn metal fabrication, forging, founding, structural steel erection, metal spinning, metal polishing, sheet metal work, welding and the use of computer-controlled equipment.

Course Outcomes and Career Opportunities

This qualification specifies the competencies required for employment as an Engineering Trades-person - Fabrication. Steel fabricators/Boilermakers are employed in a variety of industries including Manufacturing, Shipbuilding and repair, Defense, Mining and Construction. The work is varied and includes structural steel fabrication and erection, pressure vessel manufacturing, decorative and safety handrails and pressure pipeline instillation. Work is carried out both in a workshop environment and on-site with a range of materials including aluminium, stainless steel and low carbon steels.

Pathways

Upon successful completion, you may continue further study in the Certificate IV in Engineering.

Information Session

Why don’t you come along to our next course info session to find out everything you need to start your learning journey? You can chat with our teachers, tour our facilities, learn more about the course, find out about the application process and get your questions answered by our course experts. 

Find the next info session near you

Course Requirements
Entrance requirements & pre-requisites

You need to be employed in the engineering fabrication trade industry as an apprentice before commencing this course.

If you are currently not employed in this field please contact the Skills and Jobs Centre for further advice. 

Apprenticeship/Traineeship Entry Requirements

You need to be employed in the engineering fabrication trade industry as an apprentice before commencing this course.

If you are currently not employed in this field please contact the Skills and Jobs Centre for further advice. 

Units offered

Core Units

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Unit Code Unit Name Unit Hours Unit Consumables
MSMENV272 Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices 30 $0.00
MEM05005 Carry out mechanical cutting 20 $5.51
MEM05007 Perform manual heating and thermal cutting 20 $4.41
MEM05012 Perform routine manual metal arc welding 20 $4.41
MEM05050 Perform routine gas metal arc welding 20 $4.41
MEM09002 Interpret technical drawing 40 $7.72
MEM11011 Undertake manual handling 20 $5.51
MEM12023 Perform engineering measurements 30 $3.31
MEM12024 Perform computations 30 $3.31
MEM13015 Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering 40 $16.54
MEM14006 Plan work activities 40 $5.51
MEM16006 Organise and communicate information 20 $2.21
MEM16008 Interact with computing technology 20 $11.03
MEM17003 Assist in the provision of on-the-job training 20 $5.51
MEM18001 Use hand tools 20 $5.51
MEM18002 Use power tools/hand held operations 20 $4.41
MEM05009 Perform automated thermal cutting 20 $5.51
MEM05010 Apply fabrication, forming and shaping techniques 80 $3.31
MEM05037 Perform geometric development 60 $12.13
MEM05049 Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding 20 $4.41
MEM05052 Apply safe welding practices 40 $4.41
MEM12007 Mark off/out structural fabrications and shapes 40 $2.21

Elective Units

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Unit Code Unit Name Unit Hours Unit Consumables
MEM05036 Repair, replace and/or modify fabrications 40 $2.21
Assessment

This course involves accredited units.  You will be required to complete assessment tasks to demonstrate your underpinning knowledge, skills and attributes to meet the course outcomes.  A combination of written, oral and practical assessment strategies will be used in either a classroom, online or workplace environment. 

Where units require demonstration of skills in a workplace environment, you will have the opportunity to do this either in your own workplace (where appropriate), through a practical placement, or by using one of the Institute's simulated workshops/classrooms.  Detailed information about the types, conduct and dates of assessments will be provided in advance.  You will also be provided with information about the opportunity for reassessment and appeal.

After applying

Once you have applied for your chosen course, you will receive a thank you email from South West TAFE with a few steps to help process your enrolment.

Complete a Pre-Training Review
You will receive an email to complete a Pre-Training Review online evaluation. This evaluation helps us tailor your training to suit your needs.

Create or provide a Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A USI is a nationally recognised reference number that provides an online record of your training qualifications gained in Australia.
Create your USI
Already have a USI but can’t remember it? Find your USI

Skills recognition
If you have experience or prior qualifications, you may be eligible to apply for recognition of prior learning and gain credits. You will be asked to provide any relevant Statement of Attainment to support identified credits.

Fees
Course Fees

Here's an outline of fees and costs associated with your course.

Your fees each year can be made up of 3 different elements.  Everyone has different circumstances that can affect what you pay and how much you pay. :

  1. Tuition fees - charged as an hourly rate that varies from course to course. A large portion of the tuition is subsidised by the Victorian Government for eligible students.
  2. Resource and/or materials costs - covers the cost of materials and other incidentals. This fee will vary according to the course being undertaken.
  3. Booklist items - such as textbooks, equipment and stationery recommended for your course

Tuition fees

There are 4 different rates of tuition fees. Only one will apply to you (depending on your eligibility and circumstances). 

  1. Government Subsidised Fee - you could be eligible for a government-subsidised rate under the Skills First funding depending on your age, educational history, and citizenship or residency status. If you are eligible, the government will contribute to the cost of your training.
    Find out more about subsidised training

  2. Government Subsidised Concession Fee - If you are eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place and hold a current healthcare or pension card, that you can provide at enrolment, you may be eligible for the concession rate. Note, the concession rate is not applicable to Diploma level courses.
    Find out more about concession rates

  3. If the course is a Free TAFE course or part of the Free TAFE Pathways Program - Eligible students will not pay course tuition fees for the duration of their enrolment in this course, however, there may be some consumable/material fees for the course (find out more below). Any resource or material costs, or booklist items for this course are listed in the table below.
    Find out more about Free TAFE
    Find out more about Free TAFE Pathways Programs

  4. Full fee - If you are not eligible for a Skills First government-subsidised place, exemption, concession or are enrolling in a course that isn't government-subsidised, you may be required to pay the full fee rate.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT FEES AND ELIGIBILITY

The fees listed below are indicative only. The course fees published are subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Course fee funding is made available to eligible individuals by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments. If funding is utilised, this may affect opportunities to access additional funding in the future. An accurate quote for this course will be provided during the enrolment process.

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Course fees by student type Indicative Course Fee
Government subsidised rate (if eligible) $3,590.00
Concession rate $720.00
Full fee rate (if not eligible for govt subsidy) $20,420.00
Resource and/or materials costs

Some courses require specific resources or materials necessary for your study eg: tools of the trade, excursions, etc. Final costs will be determined upon enrolment.

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Additional course fees Indicative Course Fee
Course consumable/materials (approximate) $117.97
Booklist

Your course may require you to purchase additional materials or books (eg uniform, stationery, textbooks). Some of these items are optional and some are mandatory. You can purchase these items from Campion Education, second-hand or via another supplier. Click here to find out more. 

You can download the booklist for this course here: HERE

How do I pay my fees?

Once we have processed your enrolment form, you will receive an email with your invoice.

You have three options when organising your payment:

  1. Upfront payment - can be made over the phone with EFTPOS
  1. Payment plan - can be directly debited from your bank account, debited from your Centrelink payments or via a VET Student Loan (for diploma or advanced diploma courses only)
  1. Paid by employer, school or job network agency - if your fees are being paid by your employer, school or job network agency, you will need to complete an Authority to Invoice form.

Payments will need to be arranged within five(5) business days of receiving the email containing your invoice.

We also offer a range of scholarships each year which you may be eligible to apply for to assist with course fees.

Next Steps
How to apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship

There are five simple steps to apply for an apprenticeship or traineeship with us.

  1. Find a job - find a job as an apprentice or trainee through an Apprenticeship Centre or Group Training Company.
  2. Register - register with an Australian Apprenticeship Support Network (AASN) and nominate SWTAFE as your training provider (your employer will usually do this for you).
  3. Complete a pre-training review - SWTAFE staff will contact you to organise your Pre-Training Review once your ASSN contract registration is complete.
  4. Enrol - complete the enrolment form provided to you and provide your identification.
  5. Sign - once you’ve completed your enrolment form and verified your identification you will receive your student declaration form to review and sign. You can sign this digitally via your smartphone, computer or tablet.

If need any assistance with applying, contact our Customer Service team on 1300 648 911 or visit your nearest campus.

Careers and Course Advice

Not sure which course is right for you? South West TAFE will help you find your way.

Our Careers Coaches at the Skills and Jobs Centre is here to support you. Whether you’re exploring career options, transitioning from school to the workforce or looking to study after school we’re here to help you.

Student Support

As a SWTAFE student, you can access a variety of support services that will enhance your study experience and help you complete your studies successfully. For more information about any of these services, visit our student page.