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This qualification is part of the Lower fees, local skills program where you'll pay only half of the standard course fees.
Are you looking to apply new technologies to a traditional trade?
You will gain the skills and knowledge to be able to operate heavy fabrication equipment such as guillotines, metal rolls and brake presses. You will also be exposed to different welding and thermal cutting processes. You will receive instruction in the safely use of hand and power tools, be able to read measuring tools, read and interpret engineering drawings, and operate in an engineering workplace observing health and safety guidelines.
Graduates can continue their studies in a metal fabrication apprenticeship. Metal fabricators and welders work in a diverse trade, applying a broad range of fabrication and welding skills to industries including, rail transport infrastructure and maintenance, mechanical and civil engineering, mining resources sector, heavy haulage and road transport, agriculture machinery, construction, defence, refineries and materials bulk handling.
Our pre-apprentices are exposed to the latest technological developments in the fabrication and welding trade, including computer controlled metal plate cutting equipment.
The following people will be entitled to a concession rate on the half price course fees under Lower fees, local skills.
- All students aged 15-24 years
- Persons and dependents of persons holding:
- a pensioner concession card;
- a repatriation health benefits card issued by the Department of Veterans' Affairs; or
- a Health Care Card
- Persons and dependents of persons in receipt of the Youth Allowance, AUSTUDY or ABSTUDY
- Dependents of persons who are inmates of a custodial institution
- Secondary school-aged persons, not enrolled at school.
If you are not eligible, please see our Skill sets page.
^ You will pay half price for the course fees on the Lower fees, local skills qualifications, however other fees may apply such as for resources that are specifically needed for your course.
- Cut, shape, join and finish metal to make, maintain or repair metal products and structures
- Measure, calculate, and use tools
- Draw and interpret sketches
- Mechanical and thermal cutting, gouging and arc welding
- Work health and safety requirements
I have the following attributes:
- Physical strength and fitness
- An eye for detail
- Technical and mechanical aptitude
- Patience and accuracy
- Problem-solving skills
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| OLNA or NAPLAN 9 Band 8 | C Grades in Year 10 English and Maths or equivalent | Certificate I or Certificate II |
The successful completion of this qualification provides you with the skills and knowledge to apply for employment as an apprentice Heavy Fabricator (boilermaker) or Light Fabricator (sheet metal) in the metals and engineering sector. You may also seek employment as a trade’s assistant in this sector. Many employers and Group Employer Schemes contact North Metropolitan TAFE throughout the year with a view to offering apprenticeships to students. Graduates of the Certificate II in Engineering have a greater chance of obtaining an apprenticeship than those without this qualification, because they have the knowledge, skills and competency that employers require.
The units covered will also transfer into Mechanical Fitting or Fitter and Machinist trades. You will need to be employed and registered as an apprentice or trainee before you can commence apprenticeship/traineeship training.
This qualification is part of the Lower fees, local skills program where you'll pay only half of the standard course fees until 31 December 2021. The “annual fees cap” means that full-fee paying students will only pay a maximum of $1,200 (plus resource fee) and concession-fee paying students or those aged 15-24 years will only pay up to $400 (plus resource fee). Please see below an approximate estimate of what you will pay on enrolment.
Annual Full fee
Tuition fee |
Resource fee |
Total |
| 489.24 | 395.00 | 884.24 |
Annual Concession fee
Tuition fee |
Resource fee |
Total |
| 144.96 | 395.00 | 539.96 |
These fees are estimates only and are for the entire course for students enrolling on a full-time basis.
- Fees might differ between courses delivered at different campuses due to the elective units included in the course study plan or adapting courses to meet local industry needs.
- Fees may also differ for each individual student depending on the units of study selected, prior qualifications and recognition of prior learning.
- Fees are payable at enrolment each semester for the units enrolled for that period. Some year-long courses might have a bigger fee load in the first semester.
- Proof of concession must be presented to access concession rates if eligible.
- For secondary school aged persons (in 2021, students born on or after 1 July 2003 who are at least 15 years old) undertaking training that is not part of a VET Delivered to Secondary Schools program, the maximum course fee chargeable in 2021 is $420 plus the resource fees and discretionary fees.
- Concessions and Secondary School Age cap do not apply to commercial courses (such as short courses), or Foundation Programs (ESL, General Education, etc.).
- Prices quoted include resource fees, but do not include material fees such as the cost of books, uniforms and students personal equipment.
- The course fee cap applicable to Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas only applies during the current calendar year, so fees might differ for students enrolling in semester 2.
- VET Student Loans Eligible Courses and Caps may be subject to changes implemented by the Australian Government.
- Course information and fees are subject to change without notice.
Study options and next steps
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