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Metal fabricators and welders work in a diverse trade, applying a broad range of fabrication and welding skills to industries including mechanical and civil engineering, mining resources sector, heavy haulage and road transport, agriculture machinery, construction, defence, refineries and materials bulk handling. Pre-apprentices are exposed to the latest technological developments in the fabrication and welding trade, including computer controlled metal plate cutting equipment.
This pre-apprenticeship prepares graduates to continue their studies through to a metal fabrication apprenticeship.
Learn in specialised facilities
Our campuses provides students with a hands-on learning environment that feature industry-standard equipment, advanced technology and specialised workshop areas.
- perform routine oxy acetylene welding
- carry out mechanical cutting
- perform manual heating and thermal cutting
- perform routine manual metal arc welding
- perform manual production welding
- perform routine gas metal arc welding
- interpret technical drawing
- perform engineering measurements
- use power tools/hand held operations
This qualification is directly aligned with priority industry areas where the jobs are today, and into the future. As part of the state government Lower fees, local skills initiative, from 1 January 2020 through to 31 December 2025 you'll only pay half the course fees, capped for each year at $1,200; or $400 (plus resource fee) if you're aged 15—24 or eligible for a concession. Find out more
| School Leaver | Non-School Leaver | AQF |
|---|---|---|
| OLNA or NAPLAN 9 Band 8 | C Grades in Year 10 English and Maths or equivalent | Certificate I or Certificate II |
Attendance in class
This course is equivalent to 3 days per week when studied full time across one semester.
At-home study
As well as the in-class component, you will need to complete approximately 4 hours of additional study each week outside of class hours, including private study, assignment preparation, and research.
You will need to have the basic technical requirements for at-home study. If you don’t have access to a computer and WiFi at home, we recommend using our library computers during library hours.
Work placement
120 hours of work placement is mandatory for completion of this course. SM TAFE will arrange a suitable work placement within industry for you at the end of the face to face delivery.
What you need for your first day of class
On your first day you should bring your SM TAFE confirmation enrolment receipt, your student ID, stationery (blue, black & red pens & exercise book), ruler, scientific calculator and wear enclosed footwear.
In addition, the following uniform is required to be worn at all classes:
PPE/Uniform
- steel cap boots with leather upper and heat resistant soles (no volleys permitted)
- long cotton work pants
- long sleeve cotton work shirt for welding processes
- safety glasses - supplied by the college. Students may provide their own eye protection providing they can prove it meets at least Australian Standards (ASS1337.1 Medium impact).
Please note this list should be used as a guide only as job titles and qualification requirements may vary between organisations.
To access free career planning and job search assistance, visit the Jobs and Skills Centres page.
Select your preferred campus and apply
Click on your preferred campus and study mode below to get started with your application.
Semester 1, 2024
Thornlie - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 1, 2024 |
| Where | Thornlie |
| How | On Campus |
Mandurah - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 1, 2024 |
| Where | Mandurah |
| How | On Campus |
Rockingham - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 1, 2024 |
| Where | Rockingham |
| How | On Campus |
Semester 2, 2023
Thornlie - Full time - On Campus
| Duration | 1 Semester |
| When | Semester 2, 2023 |
| Where | Thornlie |
| How | On Campus |