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TAFE

MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade

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This course is only available to Domestic students and your preference is currently set to International.

This course is only available to International students and your preference is currently set to Domestic.

Key details

Duration

3 year/s

This program is delivered over a period of 3 years. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and/or units selected and will vary depending upon how long a student takes to reach the required competency level.

Intake

Locations

Alice Springs, Casuarina
Not available to international students.

Course code

MEM31922

Overview




Availability:  Applications are open for 2026. 
Online Application: This course is not available for online applications. Please contact the team on the details below for further information on how to apply.   
Apprenticeships/Traineeships: This course can be undertaken as an apprenticeship. Visit TAFE Apprenticeships and Traineeships for more information. 

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.

Assessment of some units of competency must, where indicated, include evidence of the candidate-s performance in a functioning workplace where there is a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application of those units. All outcomes must reflect the standard of performance inherent in the job.

In some jurisdictions, units in this qualification may relate to licensing or regulatory requirements. Licensing and regulatory information is included in the relevant units of competency.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication. Local regulations should be checked.

Delivery Details
LocationCasuarina       
Alice Springs
Duration3 years     
*Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level
Study ModeFace-to-face       
Simulated workplace       
Workplace
Start DateTerm 1: 11/02/2026 - 03/04/2026 
Term 2: 14/04/2026 - 02/06/2026 
Term 3: 23/07/2026 - 09/09/2026 
Term 4: 13/10/2026 - 27/11/2026    
*Apprentices will receive an individual call-up notification letter.       
*A course timetable/study plan will be provided on application for the course.
AttendanceBlock delivery        
3 to 4 x 2 week blocks over 3 years     

Monday - Friday       
8:00 am - 4:20 pm     
*Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide

Career opportunities

Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:

  • Metal fabrication tradesmen
  • Sheetmetal worker
  • Boilermaker
  • Welder

Credit transfers and advanced standing

Skill recognition

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:

  • Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
  • Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
  • Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).

RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.

Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.

For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.

Credit Transfer

Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.

Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.

In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.

Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.

Pathways

VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.

Further training pathways from this qualification include but are not limited to MEM40119 Certificate IV in Engineering.

Fees

2026 Fees

  Fee Type  2026 Course Fees
  NT Government supported*  $3,734.50 - $3,811.50
  Full Fee  $15,539.40 - $15,859.80

*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now.

Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.

For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.

Fee exemptions

Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.

At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:

  • Recipient of a Centrelink payment
  • Recipient of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
  • Enrolled Secondary Students
  • Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status

Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.

If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.

Delivery allowance for VET funded programs

International VET Package

Course information flyer(s)

CDU trades student

Why study trades at CDU?

Whether you're an apprentice, a trainee, or already working in the industry, our trades courses are for you.

Start your career or upskill in a variety of areas from construction and electrotechnology to plumbing and metal trades. Wherever your interest lies, you'll learn from experts with industry-standard technologies and tools so you can graduate workplace ready.

  • NT's largest training provider
  • Access to specialised trade training facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning so you can qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses
CDU trades student

Why study trades at CDU?

Whether you're an apprentice, a trainee, or already working in the industry, our trades courses are for you.

Start your career or upskill in a variety of areas from construction and electrotechnology to plumbing and metal trades. Wherever your interest lies, you'll learn from experts with industry-standard technologies and tools so you can graduate workplace ready.

  • NT's largest training provider
  • Access to specialised trade training facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning so you can qualify faster
VET-palmerston-cookery-flipped

Why study at CDU?

Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.

  • Access to first-class facilities
  • Recognition of prior learning accepted
  • Packages into higher education available for most courses

What will I study?

To achieve MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade, a total of ninety-six (96) points must be completed comprising thirty-three (33) points of core and sixty-three (63) points of elective units as detailed in the packaging rules and listed below.

Course structure

To be awarded the MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking/welding), units of competency to the value of 96 points must be achieved, chosen as outlined below:

  • all core units of competency (totalling 33 points)
  • elective units of competency to a minimum value of 40 points from Group D
  • elective units of competency to a maximum value of 23 points from Group H to bring the total to 96 points

To be awarded the MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (Sheetmetal working), units of competency to the value of 96 points must be achieved, chosen as outlined below:

  • all core units of competency (totalling 33 points)
  • elective units of competency to a minimum value of 40 points from Group E
  • elective units of competency to a maximum value of 23 points from Group H to bring the total to 96 points

The total nominal hours for the sequences is 970 - 990.

BOILERMAKER/WELDER (96 points) (see next table for Sheetmetal Work Trade Specialist)

CORE UNITS (ALL core units MUST be completed)
CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyPointsHours
MEM09002Interpret technical drawing4

40

MEM11011Undertake manual handling2

20

MEM12023Perform engineering measurements5

30

MEM12024Perform computations3

30

MEM13015Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering2

40

MEM14006Plan work activities4

40

MEM16006Organise and communicate information2

20

MEM16008Interact with computing technology2

20

MEM17003Assist in the provision of on-the-job training

2

20

MEM18001Use power tools

2

20

MEM18002Use power tools/hand held operations

2

20

MSMENV272Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

3

30

Total points and nominal hours for core units33

330

ELECTIVE UNITS (Complete 63 points)
Elective Group D - Boilermaking/Welding Trade specialisation (complete at least 40 points)
MEM05005Carry out mechanical cutting2

20

MEM05007Perform manual heating and thermal cutting2

20

MEM05010Apply fabrication, forming and shaping techniques8

80

MEM05012Perform routine manual metal arc welding2

20

MEM05037Perform geometric development6

60

MEM05049Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding2

20

MEM05050Perform routine gas metal arc welding2

20

MEM05056Perform routing flux core arc welding2

20

MEM05089Assemble fabricated components8

80

MEM05094Repair, replace and/or modify fabrications4

40

MEM12007Mark off/out structural fabrications and shapes

4

40

Total points and nominal hours for Group D units 

42

420 

Elective Group H - General Electives (complete no more than 23 points from Group H)
MEM05052Apply safe welding practices

4

40

MEM05085Select welding processes

2

20

MEM05090Weld using manual metal arc welding process

4

40

MEM05091Weld using gas metal arc welding process

4

40

MEM05092Weld using gas tungsten arc welding process

4

40

MEM05096Weld using flux core arc welding process

4

40

Total points and nominal hours for Group H units

22

220

Total points and nominal hours for elective units

64

640

Total points and nominal hours for qualification

97

970

 

SHEETMETAL WORK TRADE SPECIALIST (96 points)

CORE UNITS (ALL core units MUST be completed)
CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyPointsHours
MEM09002Interpret technical drawing4

40

MEM11011Undertake manual handling2

20

MEM12023Perform engineering measurements5

30

MEM12024Perform computations3

30

MEM13015Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering2

40

MEM14006Plan work activities4

40

MEM16006Organise and communicate information2

20

MEM16008Interact with computing technology2

20

MEM17003Assist in the provision of on-the-job training

2

20

MEM18001Use power tools

2

20

MEM18002Use power tools/hand held operations

2

20

MSMENV272Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

3

30

Total points and nominal hours for core units33

330

ELECTIVE UNITS (Complete 63 points)
Elective Group E - Sheetmetal working (complete at least 40 points)
MEM05005Carry out mechanical cutting2

20

MEM05007Perform manual heating and thermal cutting2

20

MEM05010Apply fabrication, forming and shaping techniques8

80

MEM05012Perform routine manual metal arc welding2

20

MEM05037Perform geometric development6

60

MEM05049Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding2

20

MEM05050Perform routine gas metal arc welding2

20

MEM05052Apply safe welding practices

4

40

MEM05056Perform routing flux core arc welding2

20

MEM05085Select welding processes

2

20

MEM05089Assemble fabricated components

8

80

MEM05092Weld using gas tungsten arc welding process

4

40

Total points and nominal hours for Group E units

44

400

Elective Group H - General Electives (complete up to 23 points from Group H)
MEM05091Weld using gas metal arc welding process

4

40

MEM05094Repair, replace and/or modify fabrications

4

40

MEM08010Manually finish/polish materials

6

60

MEM12007Mark off/out structural fabrications and shapes

4

40

MEM18011Shut down and isolate machines/equipment

2

20

Unnamed Elective
MEM03003Perform sheet and plate assembly

4

40

Total points and nominal hours for Group H units

20 - 22

200 - 220

Total points and nominal hours for elective units 64 - 66

 640 - 660

Total points and nominal hours for qualification

97 - 99

970 - 990

 

 

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

A Language, Literacy, Numeracy and Digital Literacy (LLND) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.

To gain entry into the MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade, candidates require: 

  • To be an Apprentice who has entered a Training Contract with their employer and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network NT. 

 

Required Resources

Students will have 24/7 access to assessments and learning resources on CDU's online learning platform Learnline. Before you can use Learnline however, you'll need to ensure that your computer has the correct setup.

Students are issued with learning materials and handouts relevant to each unit during their scheduled block.

All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.

Yron

CDU student

Yron VET Trades

All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.

Yron

CDU student

Yron VET Trades

Course details

Accreditation

This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the MEM Manufacturing and Engineering Training Package.

Employability skills

Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au

Location and study mode

Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.



Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina



Study Mode: On campus, workplace assessment



Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.

Additional information

Sector
TAFE
Industry groups
ENGINEERING AND MINING
Occupation types
Sheetmetal Trades Worker
Area of study
Engineering and Mining, Engineering, Metal Trades

Contact details

VET Engineering and Construction
Location: Casuarina and Alice Springs Campuses
Phone: 08 8946 7507 (CAS) 08 8959 5465 (ASP)
Email: vet.mte@cdu.edu.au

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

You make CDU

Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.

You make CDU

Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.

How to apply

How to apply for domestic students

CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.

 

Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.

 

Admission requirements for domestic students

Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.

 

CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.

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That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.

 

To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.

How to apply for international students

Applications to CDU must be submitted online.

 

The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.

 

Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.

 

There is no application fee when you apply online.

Find a CDU agent partner

Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.

 

To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.

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Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.

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