MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
This qualification defines the skills and knowledge required of an engineering tradesperson - fabrication within metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries. The qualification has been specifically developed to meet the needs of apprentices in the above trade. The qualification packaging has been developed on an assumption that competency will be developed through an integrated combination of on and off-the-job learning strategies such as those delivered through a formal apprenticeship. The qualification may also be achieved through formal skills recognition assessment processes.
Course essentials
Qualification Code
Entry requirements
Fees
Duration
Locations
SMB (on campus)
Course overview
This qualification defines the skills and knowledge required of an Engineering Tradesperson - Fabrication within metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries. The qualification has been specifically developed to meet the needs of apprentices in the above trade. This qualification must be undertaken through a Training Contract or through formal trade recognition assessment processes. The skills associated with this qualification are intended to apply to a wide range of fabrication work, including undertaking metal fabrication, structural steel erection, sheetmetal work, welding, blacksmithing and surface finishing. This qualification is designed to provide an industry recognised skills profile related to trade work as an Engineering Tradesperson - Fabrication.
Please note that this course is currently in a transition period (superseded due to Government-mandated updates), with updates due for release shortly. Rest assured, your enrolment journey will allow for you to be transitioned into the current course version for completion. This will occur before the 5th September, 2026. If you have any questions, please submit an enquiry.
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.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
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
Career paths
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
2026 indicative fees
The fees you pay will depend on your eligibility for a Victorian Government subsidised place under the Skills First Program. The indicative fees displayed below are estimates for the total course and may change depending on individual circumstances at enrolment.
Fees are subject to change annually.
| Concession Government Subsidised Place | Standard Government Subsidised Place | Full Fee Place (Not eligible for government subsidy) |
|---|---|---|
| $1,228 | $6,138 | $21,483 |
Material fees
This covers things like tools, stationery, uniforms, textbooks, excursions and so on. Expect the cost to be around $1,367.
Other study costs
Students must supply their own Personal Protective Equipment: welding Shield, welding gloves, safety glasses, coveralls, safety boots, hearing protection, wire cutters, tool bag, shifting spanner x 2 (150mm and 300mm), combination set, scriber, scientific calculators, technical drawing implements.
Other important information
If you need help managing your fee payments, you might be eligible for a direct debit payment plan. Students doing certificate-level TAFE courses can access payment plans for both tuition and materials fees. Diploma and advanced diploma students can access payment plans for materials fees only.
If you’re accessing government-subsidised training under the Skills First Program, doing this course might affect your ability to access future government-subsidised training.
If you’re eligible to enrol in a course under the Victorian Government Free TAFE initiative, the tuition would be free but you’d still have to pay the materials fee (if applicable).
Find out more about fees, payments and refunds.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 1, 2026
Locations
Horsham (on campus)
SMB (on campus)
Semester 2, 2026
Locations
Horsham (on campus)
SMB (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat. Testing.
Contact hours
Students undertake skills development in the workplace and on campus. Students attend campus for 34 days per year with eight (8) hours per day of attendance over the entire three (3) year period.
Students do approximately 1 hour per week of self-directed/independent learning.
Sample course structure
This is a list of units available in this course. Which units you enrol in will depend on the course and stream available.
- Interpret technical drawingMEM09002
- Undertake manual handlingMEM11011
- Perform engineering measurementsMEM12023
- Perform computationsMEM12024
- Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineeringMEM13015
- Plan work activitiesMEM14006
- Organise and communicate informationMEM16006
- Interact with computing technologyMEM16008
- Assist in the provision of on-the-job trainingMEM17003
- Use hand toolsMEM18001
- Use power tools/hand held operationsMEM18002
- Participate in environmentally sustainable work practicesMSMENV272
- Carry out mechanical cuttingMEM05005
- Perform manual heating and thermal cuttingMEM05007
- Apply fabrication, forming and shaping techniquesMEM05010
- Perform routine manual metal arc weldingMEM05012
- Monitor quality of production welding/fabricationsMEM05014
- Perform geometric developmentMEM05037
- Perform routine gas tungsten arc weldingMEM05049
- Perform routine gas metal arc weldingMEM05050
- Apply safe welding practicesMEM05052
- Perform routine flux core arc weldingMEM05056
- Perform advanced manual thermal cutting, gouging and shapingMEM05071
- Perform advanced welding using gas metal arc welding processMEM05073
- Perform advanced welding using gas tungsten arc welding processMEM05074
- Select welding processesMEM05085
- Assemble fabricated componentsMEM05089
- Weld using manual metal arc welding processMEM05090
- Weld using gas metal arc welding processMEM05091
- Weld using gas tungsten arc welding processMEM05092
- Repair, replace and/or modify fabricationsMEM05094
- Perform operational maintenance of machines/equipmentMEM07001
- Manually finish/polish materialsMEM08010
- Mark off/out structural fabrications and shapesMEM12007
Meet us at Open Day
Open Day is your chance to explore all that Federation has to offer. Meet current lecturers and students, ask course questions, learn about our support services and explore campus spaces.
We’ve got heaps of activities, tours and presentations planned. Basically, we want you to get a real feel for Federation. The atmosphere. The opportunities. The community.
Oh – and there’s no need to pack a sandwich. Lunch is on us.
Entry requirements
For all TAFE applications, pre-training review questions and a literacy and numeracy review are part of the application process.
Must be an apprentice in engineering.
How you apply will depend on your current situation. Visit our how to apply page for options and instructions.
After you submit your application, we’ll get you to do an online literacy and numeracy review to help us understand where you’re at (and if the course you’re applying for is a good fit). We’ll give you feedback and offer you support if needed.
For information about students’ rights and responsibilities, please refer to the VET Information Guide.
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- LCI
- National course code
- MEM31922
Hear from our staff
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