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TAFE

MEM31925 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

MEM31925

Overview

Availability: Applications are open for 2026.     
Online Application: This course is not available for online application. 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
LocationAlice Springs
Casuarina
Duration3 years
*Duration may vary depending on how long a student takes to reach the required competency level
Study ModeFace-to-face
Workplace
*Information relating to study modes can be found in the 2026 TAFE Student Guide
Start DateTerm 3: 23/07/2026 to 09/09/2026
Term 4: 13/10/2026 to 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 
Monday to Friday
8:00am - 4:20pm

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*  $3,811.50 - $4,042.50
  Full Fee  $15,859.80 - $16,821.80

*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.

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 MEM31925 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

Boilermaking/welding (total 96 points)

  • core units totalling 33 points
  • minimum of 40 points from Group D
  • maximum of 23 points from Group H

Sheetmetal working (total 96 points)

  • core units totalling 33 points
  • minimum of 40 points from Group E
  • maximum of 23 points from Group H


The total nominal hours for the sequence listed below is 990 - 1050.

CodeModule/Unit of CompetencyPointsHours
Core units of competency (both specialisations must complete all core units)
MEM09002*Interpret technical drawing

4

40
MEM11011*Undertake manual handling

2

20
MEM12023*Perform engineering measurements

5

30
MEM12024*Perform computations

3

30
MEM13015Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering

2

40
MEM14006*Plan work activities

4

40
MEM16006*Organise and communicate information

2

20
MEM16008*Interact with computing technology

2

20
MEM17003*Assist in the provision of on-the-job training

2

20

MEM18001*Use hand tools

2

20

MEM18002*Use power tools/hand held operations

2

20

MSMENV272Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

3

30

Total points and nominal hours for core units

33

330
Elective units of competency (Select 63 points)
Boilermaker/ Welder specialisation
Group D - Boilermaking/Welding Trade specialisation electives
MEM05005*Carry out mechanical cutting

2

20
MEM05007*Perform manual heating and thermal cutting

2

20
MEM05010*Apply fabrication, forming and shaping techniques

8

80
MEM05012*Perform routine manual metal arc welding

2

20
MEM05037*Perform geometric development

6

60
MEM05049*Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding

2

20
MEM05050*Perform routine gas metal arc welding

2

20
MEM05052*Apply safe welding practices

4

40

MEM05072*Perform advanced welding using manual arc welding process

4

60

MEM05073*Perform advanced welding using gas metal arc welding process

4

60

MEM05084*Perform advanced welding using flux core welding process

4

40

MEM05089*Assemble fabricated components

8

80

Group H General electives
MEM05056*Perform routine flux core arc welding

2

20

MEM05085*Select welding processes

2

20

MEM05090*Weld using manual metal arc welding process

4

40

MEM05091*Weld using gas metal arc welding process

4

40

MEM05092*Weld using gas tungsten arc welding process

4

40

MEM05096*Weld using flux core arc welding process

4

40

Total points and nominal hours for elective units64 - 68680 - 720
Total points and nominal hours for the qualification (boilermaker/welder specialisation)97 - 1011010 - 1050
Sheetmetal specialisation
Group E - Sheetmetal Working Trade specialisation electives
MEM05005*Carry out mechanical cutting

2

20

MEM05007*Perform manual heating and thermal cutting

2

20

MEM05010*Apply fabrication, forming, and shaping techniques

8

80

MEM05012*Perform routine manual metal arc welding

2

20

MEM05037*Perform geometric development

6

60

MEM05049*Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding

2

20

MEM05050*Perform routine gas metal arc welding

2

20

MEM05052*Apply safe welding practices

4

40

MEM05056*Perform routine flux core arc welding

2

20

MEM05085*Select welding processes

2

20

MEM05089*Assemble fabricated components

8

80

MEM05092*Weld using gas tungsten arc welding process

4

40

Group H General electives
MEM05091*Weld using gas metal arc welding process

4

40

MEM05094*Repair, replace and/or modify fabrications

4

40

MEM08010*Manually finish/polish materials

6

60

MEM12007*Mark off/out structural fabrications and shapes

4

40

MEM05073Perform advanced welding using gas metal arc welding process (alternative elective for Alice Springs only)

4

60

Unnamed electives
MEM03003*Perform sheet and plate assembly

4

40

Total points and nominal hours for elective units

64

660
Total points and nominal hours for the qualification (sheetmetal working specialisation)

97

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 course code course name, candidates require:

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

Required Resources

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

Students will have 24/7 access to assessments and learning resources on Learnline, CDU's online learning platform. Before you can start using Learnline, you'll need to make sure that your computer has the correct setup. For more details: https://www.cdu.edu.au/current-students/services/learnline.

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.

Location and study mode

Locations: Alice Springs, Casuarina
Study Mode: On campus, workplace assessment

Note:

Delivery at individuals locations is subject to demand. Additional locations and/or study modes may become available pending sufficient demand.

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.

Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?

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.

Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?

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.

 

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

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