Engineering Fabrication

International students can’t do a Engineering Fabrication apprenticeship in Australia. Instead, they can study a 12-24-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.

Yes, you can become a qualified Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder in Australia with a Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication and Trade.

As per the Australian Government Your Career, the industry for Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder is predicted to have a stable future growth and demand.

It takes 12-24 months to complete the Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication and Trade. Durations vary depending on education institute.

According to the Australian Government Your Career, full-time metal fabricators work an average of 47 hours per week, while full-time Fitter-Welders work an average of 44 hours per week.

According to the Australian Government Your Career, metal fabricators earn an average of $1755 per week, while Fitter-Welders earn an average of $2243 per week.

Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication and Trade courses, cost $15,000 – $20,000 per year. Prices may vary depending on education institute.

Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder are all currently on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) in Australia. This means that there is a high demand for these jobs because of a shortage of workers in these occupations.

About 91% of Metal Fabricators and 89% of Fitters and Turners, and Welders in Australia work full-time, significantly higher than the national average for all occupations. This signifies the high rate of employability in these occupations.

The difficulty of the course varies from person to person. However, objectively speaking, the Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication and Trade can be moderately difficult. It combines hands-on physical labour with basic mathematics, technical drawing interpretation, and strict safety protocols. In addition, the course requires students to have a completed the equivalent of Australian Year 10 or overseas equivalent.

To enrol in an engineering fabrication course, you’ll need to complete the enrolment form, meet English and visa requirements, and receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for your student visa.

Steps to enrol in an Engineering Fabrication course:

• Fill out the Pathway to Aus enrolment form.
• Provide academic history and passport copy.
• Submit English test results (IELTS or PTE), unless exempt.
• Receive a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
• Use the CoE to apply for a Student Visa (subclass 500).

This course may lead to eligibility for a Graduate Visa if completed with the required work placement. See more on the course page.

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

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

The Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication and Trade is generally 15-20 hours per week, spread over 2-3 days. Timetables vary depending on education institute.

To be a qualified Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner and Welder in Australia you need to have successfully completed a Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication and Trade.

You can study to become a Metal Fabricator, Fitter and Turner, or Welder in Sydney. For example, the Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM31922) is offered on campus in Sydney by institutions like InTech and TAFE NSW, providing the necessary training and qualifications for these roles.

Yes, Australian engineering fabrication qualifications are widely recognized in many countries, including Europe and North America.

These qualifications are part of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), which ensures a high standard of education and training. They are highly regarded in industries like manufacturing and engineering. However, specific licensing or certification requirements may apply depending on the country you wish to work in. For more details, visit the studying engineering courses page.