MEM31119 Certificate III in Engineering - Composites Trade

As a wind turbine blade repair technician apprentice, you will get hands-on blade inspection, maintenance, and repair experience at a variety of locations around the country.  From 2023, students at Federation TAFE will be able to study Certificate III in Engineering (Composites Trade), a three-year apprenticeship program that will be Australia’s first defined pathway for people to enter the wind generation industry as blade repair technicians.  There are also significant opportunities for trade workers from various backgrounds to take a step into the renewable energy sector to become wind-turbine technicians.

This qualification is open to apprentices ONLY.

This qualification will provide graduates with the skills associated with a wide range of composites work, including laying up composites, selecting, handling, using and storing materials and components, undertaking repairs and modifications, selecting and using resin systems and joining techniques. Also refer to below

Key Learning Points    
•    Undertake blade inspections using a variety of methods (ground based/up-tower/portside).
•    Carry out all activities related to the blades maintenance processes to assure service level agreements and minimise service costs.
•    Performing onsite Fibre/coating repairs within technical expertise limits while following internal maintenance procedures.
•    Accurately report the status of Blade defects and collaborate with Blades Engineering support in assessing the complexity of the repair.
•    Collect factory acceptance test documents from the Wind Turbine Generator in relation to Blades and report non-conformities.
•    Act according to safety rules and quality procedures related to blades maintenance activities.
•    Maintain operational requirements for the site Blade/fibre works during construction and maintenance phases, including repair scheduling, material/PPE planning, tooling requirements & repair execution.
•    Gain a good understanding of technical drawings, follow written instructions and all repair procedures.
•    Measuring and marking out repair material.
•    Gain an understanding of manufacturing and engineering information.
•    Manual layup of composite repairs and other blade related works.
•    The apprentice will earn and learn on the job from experienced colleagues to gain job specific skills and will have the opportunity to develop their professional skills through formal learning.

Key Responsibilities & Duties     
•    Theoretical knowledge, whilst obtaining formal qualifications, which are recognised and fully transferrable within the Wind Industry.
•    You will be working at various sites building knowledge in areas including health and safety and blade familiarisation, whilst inspecting, maintaining and repairing composite components to a high-quality standard and to strict deadlines.
•    You will learn to perform blade related repairs and maintenance to the highest quality.
•    Excellent communication skills are required, along with the ability to accurately follow work process instructions.
•    You will have a keen sense of achievement and take pride in the work you undertake and produce.
•    The ability to work efficiently within a team is essential.
•    This role would suit someone who welcomes challenges, thrives in fast paced environments and is able to work with a mixture of new and old technologies.
•    You will build knowledge in composites and work with varied products such as carbon fibre, varied fibreglass material, core materials.
•    You will gain experience in varied structural and non-structural repairs using varied repair methods such as hand lamination, vacuum bag and infusion repairs.

You will be required to:    
•    Strictly adhere to health & safety policy and safe working practices on-site and in the classroom.
•    Follow documented standard work procedures to perform safe and defect free assembly of products.
•    Develop and demonstrate key hands-on skills over the duration of the apprentice program.
•    Work to targets and deadlines.
•    Undertake your qualification with Federation TAFE & on-site locations.
•    Work with senior staff members in the development and implementation of continuous skills improvement.
•    Show competency in the use of repair tools such as sanders and grinders.
•    Show proven understanding the importance of good preparation through to finishing of aerodynamic surfaces.
    
The successful candidate must:
•    Be fit, able to work at heights and in confined spaces.
•    Be reliable, punctual, enthusiastic, self-motivated, positive, with a willingness to develop, learn, work on a diverse range of projects which may include travel.
•    Possess competence in manual handling skills with a strong focus on quality workmanship and safety.
•    Have good written and verbal communication skills, the ability to communicate to a diverse range of people and in a team environment, a keen work ethic and good eye for detail.
•    The ability to work in high pressure environments, meet deadlines, manage time efficiently and have strong problem-solving skills.

If you have the aptitude, attitude, willingness, knowledge, experience and skills then we encourage you to apply for this apprenticeship.

IT requirements

To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.

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The fine print

The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.

Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.

Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.

School department

Federation TAFE