MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
Start a career as a mechanical tradesperson with the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade apprenticeship course.
Course essentials
Qualification Code
Entry requirements
Fees
Duration
Locations
SMB (on campus)
Course overview
This qualification defines the skills and knowledge required of an Engineering Tradesperson - Mechanical within metal, engineering, manufacturing, and associated industries. The qualification has been specifically developed for apprentices in the above trade. The qualification packaging has been developed on an assumption that competency will be developed through a combination of on and off-the-job learning strategies such as those delivered through a formal apprenticeship. The qualification may also be achieved through formal skills recognition assessment processes.
IT requirements
To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.
Got questions?
Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.
Student support
The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.
The fine print
The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.
Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.
Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.
School department
Federation TAFE
Career paths
Fees and scholarships
Tuition fee information
2026 indicative fees
The fees you pay will depend on your eligibility for a Victorian Government subsidised place under the Skills First Program. The indicative fees displayed below are estimates for the total course and may change depending on individual circumstances at enrolment.
Fees are subject to change annually.
| Concession Government Subsidised Place | Standard Government Subsidised Place | Full Fee Place (Not eligible for government subsidy) |
|---|---|---|
| $1,190 | $5,952 | $20,832 |
Material fees
This covers things like tools, stationery, uniforms, textbooks, excursions and so on. Expect the cost to be around $859.
Other study costs
Students will be required to supply their own Personal Protective Equipment: Coveralls, safety glasses, safety footwear.
Other important information
If you need help managing your fee payments, you might be eligible for a direct debit payment plan. Students doing certificate-level TAFE courses can access payment plans for both tuition and materials fees. Diploma and advanced diploma students can access payment plans for materials fees only.
If you’re accessing government-subsidised training under the Skills First Program, doing this course might affect your ability to access future government-subsidised training.
If you’re eligible to enrol in a course under the Victorian Government Free TAFE initiative, the tuition would be free but you’d still have to pay the materials fee (if applicable).
Find out more about fees, payments and refunds.
Scholarships
There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.
Course details
Start dates
Semester 1, 2026
Locations
Horsham (on campus)
SMB (on campus)
Semester 2, 2026
Locations
Horsham (on campus)
SMB (on campus)
Information
- Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat.
Contact hours
105 days of 8 hours each over 3 to 4 years
Approximately 3 hours a month of self-directed/independent learning.
Sample course structure
This is a list of units available in this course. Which units you enrol in will depend on the course and stream available.
- Interpret technical drawingMEM09002
- Undertake manual handlingMEM11011
- Perform engineering measurementsMEM12023
- Perform computationsMEM12024
- Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineeringMEM13015
- Plan work activitiesMEM14006
- Organise and communicate informationMEM16006
- Interact with computing technologyMEM16008
- Assist in the provision of on-the-job trainingMEM17003
- Use hand toolsMEM18001
- Use power tools/hand held operationsMEM18002
- Participate in environmentally sustainable work practicesMSMENV272
- Carry out mechanical cuttingMEM05005
- Perform manual heating and thermal cuttingMEM05007
- Perform routine manual metal arc weldingMEM05012
- Perform routine gas tungsten arc weldingMEM05049
- Perform routine gas metal arc weldingMEM05050
- Perform basic incidental heat/quenching, tempering and annealingMEM06007
- Perform general machiningMEM07005
- Perform lathe operationsMEM07006
- Perform milling operationsMEM07007
- Perform grinding operationsMEM07008
- Perform complex milling operationsMEM07011
- Perform complex grinding operationsMEM07012
- Perform complex lathe operationsMEM07021
- Perform precision mechanical measurementMEM12003
- Mark off/out (general engineering)MEM12006
- Use tools for precision workMEM18003
- Perform fault diagnosis, installation and removal of bearingsMEM18005
- Perform precision fitting of engineering componentsMEM18006
- Perform installation and removal of mechanical sealsMEM18012
- Maintain pneumatic system componentsMEM18018
- Maintain hydraulic system componentsMEM18020
- Dismantle, replace and assemble engineering componentsMEM18055
- Undertake root cause analysisMSS402080

Explore our training centres
The Asia Pacific Renewable Energy Training Centre (APRETC) is a central hub for renewable energy training, education and research across regional Victoria.
APRETC Ballarat boasts the southern hemisphere’s first wind turbine training tower and APRETC Gippsland is located in the power generation heartland of the Latrobe Valley.
Entry requirements
For all TAFE applications, pre-training review questions and a literacy and numeracy review are part of the application process.
You must have an apprenticeship in engineering.
How you apply will depend on your current situation. Visit our how to apply page for options and instructions.
After you submit your application, we’ll get you to do an online literacy and numeracy review to help us understand where you’re at (and if the course you’re applying for is a good fit). We’ll give you feedback and offer you support if needed.
For information about students’ rights and responsibilities, please refer to the VET Information Guide.
- Direct application
- Yes
- Federation University code
- MEM
- National course code
- MEM30219
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