Course description
This qualification is ideal for apprentices in the steel and metal industries pursuing a hands-on career in fabrication. It delivers comprehensive, practical and theoretical training in engineering production.
Students will gain skills in using hand and power tools, interpreting technical drawings, and applying engineering science. The course covers fabrication techniques, quality assurance, and structural fabrication.
A strong emphasis is placed on welding, including setup and operation of welding equipment, welding safety, and techniques for manual metal arc, MIG, and TIG welding.
You’ll also learn to fabricate complex shapes such as cylinders, cones, and transition pieces. Graduates will be equipped with industry-relevant skills to confidently enter the fabrication trade.
Possible career outcomes
- Qualified Tradesperson – Fabrication
- Welding Specialist Roles
- Industry Recognition and Mobility
- Preparation for Licensing and Compliance
Applications and attendance
Applications for this course are not currently open.
Please contact customer service on 5225 0800 during business hours to discuss upcoming intake dates.
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants
To become an apprentice or trainee, you will first need to find an employer willing to employ you. An Apprentice Connect Australia Provider can assist you with this. Find a local provider here.
| Intake | Applications | Attendance | Classes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Full Year East Geelong Campus |
Open: 1 Aug 2025 Close: 15 Dec 2026 |
Class Day | Part Time | Apprent-Timetable supplied once admitted |
Class times are indicative and may change before the course starts. Students may need to complete some self-paced learning and assessments outside class, varying by course and skill level, or may be required to attend classes both on campus and online.
Follow the link for more information on attendance mode definitions and offer timing.
An application doesn't guarantee a place in the course. Spaces are limited and only completed applications will be considered for an offer. Intakes can be cancelled at any time.
Entrance requirements
- Applicants must be 16 years or older at the time of course commencement.
- Students who are under the age of 16 will be encouraged to apply for our SBATs pathway.
- Setting a minimum age of 16 supports learner safety, maturity, and capacity to meet workplace health and safety obligations in both simulated and real workplace environments.
- Applicants are expected to have literacy and numeracy skills at Year 11 or Year 12 or Australian Core Skills Framework Level 3.
Apprenticeship and traineeship requirements
Apprenticeship and traineeship applicants must be currently employed under a training contract and referred by their employer.
Personal Learning Requirements
There are personal learning requirements for each qualification at The Gordon. These are essential personal capabilities and skills required to successfully complete the course and be ready to work in the industry.
Please review the requirements here and consider any challenges you may have in meeting them. When applying for your course, please let us know what support you may need.
Pre-training review
Each student must complete a pre-training review as part of their application. The outcome of your pre-training review assists our teachers and trainers to better understand your capabilities prior to training and enables you to be matched to the right program. Your literacy and numeracy skills will be evaluated and you may be required to undertake a separate assessment. Follow this link for more information about literacy and numeracy skills.
Units and assessments
| Core Units | Code | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Assist in the provision of on-the-job training | MEM17003 | 20 |
| Interact with computing technology | MEM16008 | 20 |
| Interpret technical drawing | MEM09002 | 40 |
| Organise and communicate information | MEM16006 | 20 |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | MSMENV272 | 30 |
| Perform computations | MEM12024 | 30 |
| Perform engineering measurements | MEM12023 | 30 |
| Plan work activities | MEM14006 | 40 |
| Undertake manual handling | MEM11011 | 20 |
| Use hand tools | MEM18001 | 20 |
| Use power tools/hand held operations | MEM18002 | 20 |
| Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering | MEM13015 | 40 |
| Elective Units | Code | Hours |
| Apply fabrication, forming and shaping techniques | MEM05010 | 80 |
| Apply safe welding practices | MEM05052 | 40 |
| Assemble fabricated components | MEM05089 | 80 |
| Carry out mechanical cutting | MEM05005 | 20 |
| Mark off/out structural fabrications and shapes | MEM12007 | 40 |
| Perform advanced welding using manual metal arc welding process | MEM05072 | 60 |
| Perform geometric development | MEM05037 | 60 |
| Perform manual heating and thermal cutting | MEM05007 | 20 |
| Perform routine flux core arc welding | MEM05056 | 20 |
| Perform routine gas metal arc welding | MEM05050 | 20 |
| Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding | MEM05049 | 20 |
| Perform routine manual metal arc welding | MEM05012 | 20 |
| Perform sheet and plate assembly | MEM03003 | 40 |
| Select welding processes | MEM05085 | 20 |
| Weld using gas metal arc welding process | MEM05091 | 40 |
| Weld using gas tungsten arc welding process | MEM05092 | 40 |
| Weld using manual metal arc welding process | MEM05090 | 40 |
Please note that the listed electives are delivered by The Gordon but you may not need to complete all of these units to successfully complete this qualification. If you have previously completed any of the units of competency relevant to this course, you may be eligible for Credit Transfer (CT). Any previous relevant experience may qualify you for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Find out more about CT or RPL here.
Assessment is based on:
- Questioning
- Observations and practical demonstrations
- Product (reports, projects, role plays etc)
Fees
| Fees | Rate | Unit | Indicative Course Hours | Indicative Tuition | Indicative Gov Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Concession Tuition |
AUD $0.75 |
per hour |
990 |
AUD $742.00 |
AUD $16,585.00 |
|
Standard Tuition |
AUD $3.77 |
per hour |
990 |
AUD $3,732.00 |
AUD $16,585.00 |
|
Full Fee Tuition |
AUD $20.88 |
per hour |
990 |
AUD $20,671.00 |
|
| Add the costs below to your relevant tuition fee | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Education Levy |
AUD $148.50 |
|
Charged at enrolment |
|
|
|
Materials |
AUD $2,080.00 |
Once |
Charged at enrolment |
|
|
All fees and charges are correct at time of publication but may change without notice. The student tuition fees are indicative only. Additional fees may apply. Where GST is applicable to any courses or materials, the fee displayed is inclusive of the GST.
Which fee will I pay?
Your fees will be charged according to your eligibility for government funding. For more information, visit our Fees & Payments pages.
Fee help
Payment plans may be available for eligible students who need assistance to manage their fee payments.
Further study options
- MEM50222 Diploma of Engineering – Technical
Many Gordon courses offer pathways to higher qualifications within The Gordon and in some cases, to university degrees. Your Gordon course may provide credit points which could reduce further study time. Follow the link to find more information about pathways, or contact Customer Service.