Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (Apprenticeship)

If you’re passionate about problem-solving, enjoy working with your hands, and seek a career in an industry where your skills are in high demand, then pursuing a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade is an excellent choice for your future.
This apprenticeship offers a powerful combination of hands-on training and versatile career opportunities. It provides comprehensive instruction in machining, fitting, and maintenance, preparing you to work with precision equipment in a wide range of settings. From manufacturing plants to local heavy industry, you’ll gain the expertise needed to install, maintain, and repair critical mechanical systems.
With a strong focus on practical skills and real-world applications, this qualification not only boosts your employability but also opens doors to various specialisations in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. In an area like ours, where heavy industry plays a crucial role, your skills will be highly valued, ensuring competitive wages and long-term career growth.

If you’re mechanically minded and enjoy solving practical problems, the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade is the perfect foundation for your career in the engineering industry.
This apprenticeship develops the essential skills needed to work as a mechanical tradesperson, with a focus on fitting, machining, maintenance, and precision assembly. You’ll gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and equipment, preparing you to install, maintain, and repair machinery and components across a range of sectors.
For learners employed in the dairy industry, the course includes a tailored stream designed to meet the unique requirements of dairy processing equipment. This stream integrates electrical units, programming skills, and specialised knowledge to support the operation and maintenance of complex dairy production systems.
Training combines on-the-job learning with structured sessions at TAFE Gippsland, ensuring you build both practical capability and strong theoretical knowledge. This approach ensures you graduate job-ready, confident, and able to meet modern industry demands.
Upon completion, you will be prepared to work as a qualified mechanical tradesperson, with opportunities to specialise in areas such as advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and heavy industry.
For those wishing to progress further, you can continue into the Certificate IV in Engineering, where you’ll gain advanced technical skills in:
• Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and CNC programming
• Metallurgy and material science
• Specialist welding skills, including Welding Supervisor and Welding Inspector streams
• Expanded capabilities for cross-skilling between mechanical and fabrication disciplines

Graduates of this course will be equipped for a wide range of mechanical trade roles, including:
• Mechanical Fitter – maintaining and repairing industrial machinery and production equipment.
• Machinist – manufacturing precision components using manual and CNC equipment.
• Maintenance Technician – diagnosing and repairing breakdowns in production environments.
• Plant Technician (Dairy industry stream) – specialising in the operation and upkeep of dairy processing machinery.
• Hydraulic/Pneumatic Systems Technician – working with fluid power systems in heavy industry.
Industries where you may work include:
• Dairy processing and food manufacturing
• Mining and resources
• Heavy industrial manufacturing
• Clean energy and renewable technology sectors
• Engineering workshops and maintenance service providers

Graduates can continue into the Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119) to further develop their skills and progress their careers.
This qualification offers advanced training in areas such as:
• CNC programming and CAD design
• Metallurgy and material science
• Specialist welding skills, including Welding Supervisor and Welding Inspector streams
• Preparation for Weld Australia certification and registration
• Weld tickets and compliance training
By completing the Certificate IV, graduates can pursue higher-level technical positions or move into supervisory and compliance-focused roles, such as:
• Welding Supervisor – managing and overseeing welding operations to ensure compliance with Australian Standards.
• Welding Inspector – inspecting and verifying weld quality, materials, and processes for regulatory and quality assurance purposes.
This pathway ensures learners remain competitive, with recognised qualifications that align with Weld Australia and industry requirements.

By completing this course, you will gain a comprehensive foundation of technical knowledge and practical skills required to work confidently in mechanical engineering environments.
You will develop skills in:
• Fitting and assembly – dismantling, repairing, and assembling complex machinery and systems.
• Precision machining – operating and programming manual and CNC machines for high-accuracy production.
• Hydraulic and pneumatic systems – installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting fluid power systems.
• Diagnostics and problem solving – identifying faults and applying effective repair strategies.
• Safe work practices – applying workplace health and safety standards to all tasks.
• Technical communication – interpreting technical drawings, schematics, and documentation.
• Programming and automation (Dairy stream) – integrating mechanical skills with electrical and control systems used in dairy processing.
You will also gain knowledge in:
• Industry compliance, quality systems, and reporting standards.
• Planning, teamwork, and communication to manage tasks effectively in diverse work environments.
• Emerging technologies such as advanced manufacturing processes and clean energy applications.
These skills are relevant to a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, mining, dairy processing, renewable energy, and heavy engineering, while providing a strong foundation for future study pathways.

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

Mandatory entry requirements:

Must be an Australian apprentice registered with the Australian Apprenticeship Commission.

Recommended entry Requirements:

While there are no formal prerequisites, learners who have completed VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) programs, such as the Certificate II in Engineering Studies, or have prior exposure to engineering workplaces, will have a strong foundation of skills and knowledge that supports success in this apprenticeship.
Basic competency in mathematics, literacy, and mechanical concepts is helpful, but not essential.
Support services are available to assist learners in developing these skills as they progress through the course.

Limitations to course Entry:

If aged between 15 and 17 years of age will require a school release form from there school.

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.