Engineering Fabrication
Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder are all currently on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL)
In Australia, engineering fabricators may be even more in demand than engineers themselves. Structural steel and welding trades workers cut, shape, join and repair metal components of iron and steel structures, boilers, pressure vessels and pipes, ships and other vessels.
The Certificate III and IV in Engineering Fabrication and Trade prepares student to perform a wide range of tasks in the construction and manufacturing industry. Graduates will be skilled in many aspects of engineering fabrication and trade including:
- Studying blueprints, drawings and specifications to determine job requirements.
- Selecting, cleaning and preparing metal stock.
- Cutting marked-out metal sections and shapes using hand tools, flame cutting torches and metal cutting machines.
- Shaping and bending metal sections and pipes using hand and machine tools, and by heating and hammering.
- Aligning parts to be joined using hand tools and measuring instruments.
- Joining metal sections using various welding techniques, bolting and riveting.
- Examining welds for width of bead, penetration and precision.
- Finishing products by cleaning, polishing, filing and bathing in acidic solutions.
- Cleaning and smoothing welds by filing, chiselling and grinding.
Common Course Requirements
- Must have graduated year 10 in home country.
- Must have a minimum of IELTS 5.5
Graduate Outcome
- On average, full time fabricators earn around $1,600 per week.
- They can work independently or be part of a larger building or manufacturing company.
- 92% of structural steel and welding trades are employed in a full-time role
Potential Career Pathways:
- Fitter and Turner
- Metal Fabricator
- Welder
Higher Education Opportunities
- Bachelor of Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Electrical and Aerospace Engineering
Price (per year)
Duration
Location
Intake
Temporary Graduate Visa
If undertaking study in this course in Australia for a minimum of 2 years you may qualify for the Temporary Gradaute Visa. This visa allows the holder 1.5 years unlimited work rights in Australia. Many graduates use this time to build up experience in their field or find an employer that is willing to sponsor their visa.
If you have applied for the Temporary Graduate Visa you may also be eligible to apply for the Job Ready Program. The Job Ready Program is run through TRA and allows graduates in certain disciplines to have their skills assessed for skilled migration purposes. It is a way for people to have their skills assessed without having the experience. Once the student receives a positive skills assessment they may be eligible to apply for permanent work visas such as State Sponsored and General Skilled Migration Visas.
Note: It is never recommended to engage in studies for the sole purpose of trying to gain a visa to Australia. Speak to us and we can find a course that matches your long-term career goals.
Graduate Visa
The Graduate Visa (Subclass 485) allows recent university graduates and certain vocational graduates the chance to remain in Australia and work after their studies have finished.
Education Pathways
Metal Fabricator (322311) Fitter and Turner (323212) and Welder (322313) are currently on the Skilled Occupations List.
The skills assessment for Metal Fabricators, Fitter and Turners and Welders are delivered through – Trade Recognition Australia (TRA).
The qualification required to obtain a positive skills assessment as an automotive mechanic is the Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade.
If you undertake this course and participate in the job ready program you may even be able to do this without being sponsored by an employer and you may not need to live in a regional area.
Note: It is never recommended to engage in studies for the sole purpose of trying to gain a visa to Australia. Speak to us and we can find a course that matches your long-term career goals.
Step 1: Study a course or package of courses
Study a course or package of courses that goes for at least 2 years and includes the Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade.
Step 2: Receive the Temporary Graduate Visa
By studying for 2 years and undertaking a 360 hours vocational placement during your studies (most education providers will arrange this for you), you may be eligible to apply for and receive the Temporary Graduate Visa. The graduate visa is a work visa that allows the visa holder to live and work in Australia for up to 18 months. For more information on the Graduate Visa, click here.
Step 3: Participate in the Job Ready Program
The main benefit of the JRP is that on completion you will be provided with a positive skills assessment for general migration purposes. On this program, you must work for at least 12 months as a qualified Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner or Welder.
Your employer will not need to sponsor your visa, as you will already be on the graduate visa. This will mean that you have a much higher chance of finding employment as it is very easy for the employer to hire you. You may find this video on the Job Ready Program helpful.
Step 4: Apply for a General Skilled Migration Visas
Once you have completed the Job Ready Program as a Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner or Welder you will receive a positive skills assessment. Once you have the positive skills assessment you may be able to apply for general skilled migration visas. If eligible, the general skilled migration visas (Skilled Independent Subclass 189, State Nominated Subclass 190 or Regional Nominated Subclass 491) do not require you to have an employer that is willing to sponsor your visa. Please note that you will still be required to pass the points test and health checks to apply for this visa.
Why Use Pathway to Aus?
Pathway to Aus has assisted thousands of student’s study or migrate to Australia. We are here to support you throughout your journey and make the transition as easy and smooth as possible. Our experienced team of Education and Migration agents are ready to work with you to help you achieve your education and migration goals.
No cost to you
Registered Migration Agents
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Partnered with education institutes
Interviews with Our Students
Feel free to check these interviews with some of our students.
Chris
South Africa
Cert III in Bricklaying
After Chris traveled to Australia on a vacation, he fell in love with the country and decided to pursue his dream to become a bricklayer in Australia.
William
Sweden
Civil Engineering
William is studying Associate Degree of Civil Engineering at TAFE QLD in Brisbane. He's building up his work experience and will apply for a permanent visa to Australia.
Denise
Germany
Civil Engineering
Denise came to Australia several times when she was younger and fell in love with the country. She decided to apply for a student visa and started her course at the Southbank campus of TAFE Queensland.
Raphael
France
Certificate III in Joinery
In late 2017 he decided to study joinery in Australia. He has now finished his course and has just had his temporary graduate work visa approved (subclass 485).
Louis
India
Automotive
After finishing high school, Louis decided to Automotive Mechanical at a college on The Gold Coast. After completing this course he obtained the Temporary Graduate Work Visa.Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do as a Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder?
Metal Fabricators, Fitter and Turners and Welders fit and assemble fabricated metal parts into products, set up machining tools, production machines and textile machines, and operate machining tools and machines to shape metal stock and castings. An Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder also does the following in a normal day:
- studying drawings and specifications to determine suitable material, method and sequence of operations, and machine settings
- fitting fabricated metal parts into products and assembling metal parts and subassemblies to produce machines and equipment
- checking fabricated and assembled metal parts for accuracy, clearance and fit using precision measuring instruments
- setting guides, stops and other controls on machining tools, setting up prescribed cutting and shaping tools and dies in machines and presses, and setting controls for textile machines
- forming metal stock and castings to fine tolerances using machining tools to press, cut, grind, plane, bore and drill metal
- cutting, threading, bending and installing hydraulic and pneumatic pipes and lines
- preparing pattern mechanisms to control the operation of textile machines used to spin, weave, knit, sew and tuft fabric
- diagnosing faults and performing operational maintenance of machines, and overhauling and repairing mechanical parts and fluid power equipment
- may erect machines and equipment on-site
Where can I study to be a Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder?
You can study to be a Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder in Sydney
Can foreigners do an Engineering Fabrication apprenticeship in Australia?
International students can’t do a Engineering Fabrication apprenticeship in Australia. Instead, they can study a 24-month vocational course to become a qualified Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder. Click here to read more about apprenticeships and vocational courses for international students
How much does a Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder get paid?
As per Job Outlook, a qualified Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder earns $2,062 a week, on average
What qualifications do I need to be a Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder?
To be a qualified Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder in Australia you need to have successfully completed a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
How much is a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade course?
Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade courses, cost $12,000 – $13,000 per year. Prices may vary depending on education institute
How long does it take to become a qualified Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder?
It takes 24 months to complete the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade. Durations vary depending on education institute
What is the study timetable like for a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade course?
The Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade is generally 15-20 hours per week, spread over 2-3 days. Timetables vary depending on education institute.
Will these qualifications be recognised in my home country?
These qualifications are part of the Australian Qualification Framework. Most countries, specifically European or North American countries, accept qualifications issued by Australia. So yes, generally speaking, the qualifications will be accepted and allow you to work in your home country. Please note, we would always advise you check specifically with your home country.
What do equipment do I need to work as a Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder?
Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder use a range of tools, including the following:
- Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
- Welding Magnets
- Welding Framing Jig
- Speed Square
- Sheet Metal Gauge
- Metal File
- Welding Clamps
- Welding Gloves
- Metal Brush
- MIG Pliers
- Soapstone
- Angle Grinder
- Safety Glasses
- C Clamps
- Portable Band Saw
- Chipping Hammer
- Oxy-Acetylene Setup
How many hours a week does a Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder work in a week?
As per Job OutLook, Metal Fabricators, Fitter and Turners and Welders work an average of 49 hours per week.
Is a Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder in demand in Australia?
Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder are all currently on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) in Australia
Can you be a Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder without a degree?
Yes, you can become a qualified Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder in Australia with a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
Is it hard to get a job as a Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder?
As per Job Outlook, 93% of Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder are employed full time
How does the future of Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder industry look?
As per Job OutLook, the industry for Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder is predicted to have moderate future growth
Is the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade course difficult?
The Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade requires students to have a completed the equivalent of Australian Year 10
How do I get started?
If you complete this questionnaire we’ll be able to send you some detailed information on the course and explain what documents you’ll need for enrolment
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