Wodonga TAFE
4 years
Become a skilled fabrication tradesperson through a 4-year apprenticeship combining metal fabrication, welding, and pattern development. This hands-on qualification prepares you for careers as a metal fabricator, boilermaker, or welder in manufacturing and engineering industries.
You must be employed under an Australian Apprenticeship Agreement with a registered employer. Basic language and literacy skills are recommended. Completion of Year 10 maths and science is recommended. You must supply your own PPE (welding helmet, safety boots, suitable clothing, safety glasses), hand tools, calculator, writing materials, measuring equipment, and a toolbox with specified tools. A laptop is recommended for accessing learning materials on Moodle, though loans are available on campus.
The course covers metal fabrication techniques, welding processes (manual metal arc, gas tungsten arc, gas metal arc, and flux core arc welding), sheet metal work, pattern development, geometric development, thermal cutting and heating, computer-controlled equipment operation, stainless steel finishing, and safe work practices. Compulsory units include technical drawing interpretation, manual handling, engineering measurements, computations, workplace safety, work planning, communication, hand and power tool use, and environmental sustainability. Selectable units allow specialization in advanced welding techniques, mechanical cutting, fabrication forming, component assembly, and penetrant testing.
Wodonga TAFE is a registered training organization (RTO 3097) with extensive experience in vocational education and apprenticeship training. The institution offers flexible delivery options including day release and block release, comprehensive workplace integration, and access to modern facilities and equipment. Wodonga TAFE provides personalized support and assessment strategies tailored to individual student needs, combining on-campus and workplace-based learning.
Upon completion, you can pursue careers as a metal fabrication tradesperson, boilermaker, or welder in manufacturing, engineering, construction, and related industries. Pathways to further study include Certificate IV in Engineering, Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting, and Diploma of Engineering Technology, enabling progression to supervisory and technical management roles.