Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Apprenticeship)

If you're mechanically minded and love solving practical problems, the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade is a great way to turn your passion into a career.
This hands on apprenticeship focuses on machining, fitting, and mechanical maintenance, giving you the skills to build, install, repair, and service equipment used in industries such as manufacturing, mining, energy, clean technology, and agriculture. You'll learn in both the workplace and our specialist training facilities, developing real world experience from day one.
As heavy and emerging industries grow across our region, skilled tradespeople are in high demand. This qualification opens the door to long term employment, further study, and a wide range of mechanical, engineering, and renewable energy career paths.

The Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade is an apprenticeship that develops the practical skills and technical knowledge required to work as a mechanical tradesperson.
You will learn to manufacture, assemble, install, maintain and repair machinery and mechanical components. Training covers fitting, machining, maintenance and the use of engineering tools and equipment, with an emphasis on safe work practices and solving practical problems.
Training combines structured learning at TAFE Gippsland with practical experience in the workplace, allowing you to develop and apply your skills in an industry setting.
On completion, you will have the skills and knowledge to work as a qualified mechanical tradesperson across a range of engineering and maintenance environments. You may also choose to undertake further study, including the Certificate IV in Engineering.

Graduates may work as qualified mechanical tradespeople in roles such as mechanical fitter, fitter and turner, machinist or maintenance fitter, depending on their workplace and the skills developed during their apprenticeship.
Employment opportunities may be available across industries including manufacturing, food processing, mining, energy, engineering workshops and industrial maintenance.

Graduates may continue their studies through the MEM40119 Certificate IV in Engineering to develop additional technical skills and knowledge.
Further training and specialisation may also be available in areas such as machining, maintenance, fluid power, computer-aided design and other engineering disciplines, depending on career goals and industry requirements.

During this apprenticeship, you will develop practical skills and technical knowledge in:
- Fitting, assembling and repairing machinery and mechanical components
- Using engineering tools and equipment
- Machining components to specified dimensions and tolerances
- Interpreting engineering drawings and technical information
- Identifying mechanical faults and carrying out maintenance and repairs
- Applying safe work practices and quality requirements
- Planning work, communicating with others and solving practical problems
The skills developed throughout the course can be applied across a range of engineering, manufacturing and maintenance workplaces.

Are there specified requirements for entry into the course/qualification?: No

Recommended entry Requirements:

Previous study in engineering, including VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) programs such as the Certificate II in Engineering Studies, or relevant workplace experience may provide a useful foundation for this apprenticeship.
Basic skills in mathematics, literacy and mechanical concepts are beneficial. Support services are available to assist learners in developing these skills throughout their training.

Limitations to course Entry:

Learners aged 15 to 17 who are still attending school may require a school release form, where applicable.

Not applicable.

Will this course/qualification or a constituent unit provide a pathway to an industry licence or regulated outcome: No

There is no qualification entry requirement. It is assumed that the learner is engaged as an apprentice under a Training Contract and that the learner is receiving appropriate structured on the job training while undertaking this qualification.