Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
Overview
Develop the skills you need as a metal tradesperson with the Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade. You’ll gain knowledge essential for employment within metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries. The strategies you’ll learn both on and off-the-job, are similar to those experienced through a formal apprenticeship.
This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.
You're invited to our 2025 Study Expo
Join us this January to meet academics, browse courses, get application help, explore our Hawthorn campus and find out all you need to know about starting in Semester 1.
Skills you’ll learn
- Machine Maintenance
- Fault-finding and testing
- Use of Machine tools
- Fitting and Assembly of mechanical equipment
Your career opportunities
- Metal Tradesperson
- Mechanical Services
Admissions
Students must be at least 15 years of age and apprenticed to an employer.
Admission requirements
Meeting the minimum entry requirements for the course does not guarantee an offer of a place. See admission requirements for general information about the admission process.
Credit transfer
Credit transfer is the recognition of academic credits gained through formal study (i.e. units of competency) completed either at another institute or in another qualification. The total amount of credit will vary from individual to individual, based on the unit/s that have been successfully completed.
Recognition of prior learning
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the process of transferring the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your lifetime (irrespective of how they were obtained) against the requirements of the unit.
RPL is an assessment process that requires you to provide evidence that demonstrates how you meet the requirements of the unit/s. The amount and types of evidence you will need to provide will depend on the unit requirements.
Finding your fit
At Swinburne, we recognise that not one size fits all. If this course doesn’t meet all your study criteria, check out these alternatives.
-
Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
-
Certificate III in Bricklaying and Blocklaying
-
Certificate III in Carpentry
Course structure
The course comprises 11 core units and 17 Elective units delivered on a one day a week day release from the workplace for a period of three years.
Your units
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Core units | |
|
Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering
Core unit |
MEM13015 |
|
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Core unit |
MSMENV272 |
|
Organise and communicate information
Core unit |
MEM16006 |
|
Undertake manual handling
Core unit |
MEM11011 |
|
Assist in the provision of on-the-job training
Core unit |
MEM17003 |
|
Perform computations
Core unit |
MEM12024 |
|
Perform engineering measurements
Core unit |
MEM12023 |
|
Interpret technical drawing
Core unit |
MEM09002 |
|
Interact with computing technology
Core unit |
MEM16008 |
|
Plan work activities
Core unit |
MEM14006 |
|
Use hand tools
Core unit |
MEM18001 |
|
Use power tools/hand held operations
Core unit |
MEM18002 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Perform general machining
Elective unit |
MEM07005 |
|
Perform lathe operations
Elective unit |
MEM07006 |
|
Mark off/out (general engineering)
Elective unit |
MEM12006 |
|
Perform milling operations
Elective unit |
MEM07007 |
|
Perform grinding operations
Elective unit |
MEM07008 |
|
Set computer controlled machines and processes
Elective unit |
MEM07015 |
|
Operate and monitor machine and process
Elective unit |
MEM07024 |
|
Operate computer controlled machines and processes
Elective unit |
MEM07028 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Dismantle, replace and assemble engineering components
Elective unit |
MEM18055 |
|
Use tools for precision work
Elective unit |
MEM18003 |
|
Perform precision fitting of engineering components
Elective unit |
MEM18006 |
| Units of study | Unit code |
|---|---|
| Elective units | |
|
Perform precision mechanical measurement
Elective unit |
MEM12003 |
2025 fees
Full fee* ($AUD)
$17,490
Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)
$6,200
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
2025 fees
Yearly fee* ($AUD)
$0.00
Fees are estimates only
Fees published on this page are estimates only and are subject to change depending on individual circumstances at the time of enrolment. The above fees apply for units studied in 2025 only and may change for units studied in future years. There may be additional costs related to learning material and equipment.
Fees are estimates only
The indicative course fees shown apply to international students for the relevant year, based on a standard study load per year. Fees are assessed according to actual study load each semester, with variations to study load resulting in tuition fee adjustments. These fees generally include the Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF) and are subject to annual review. Enrolled students will receive reasonable notice of any fee changes before payment is due.
Skills first government-subsidised place
This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding. To qualify for a government-subsidised place, you must meet various eligibility criteria. The course you’ve applied for must also be offering government-subsidised places. Swinburne will determine your eligibility by conducting a full assessment of your eligibility during the course application process.
How do I pay my fees?
You can pay your Swinburne fees in person, via credit card, BPAY, or at Australia Post. Check to see if loans and employer sponsored training are also available.
International students need to pay tuition fees up-front by the relevant due date. You can find the due dates on your Statement of Account.
To pay your fees:
- log in to My Financials
- check your Australian bank account details are correct
- check your Statement of Account to see how much you owe
- pay using your preferred payment method.
Concessions rates for vocational students
If you’re enrolling in a Certificate IV-level program or below, are eligible for a government-subsidised training place and hold a valid concession card, you may be eligible for a concession of 80 per cent off the published fee of your unit(s) tuition – which means you’ll only be charged 20 per cent of the published fee.
Scholarships
Scholarship applications for 2025 are open. Scholarships at Swinburne are about providing opportunity, promoting equity and recognising excellence and achievement. We want you to reach your potential and achieve your life and career goals.
Our handy guide will assist you to gather documents for your application.
When you apply for a Swinburne course, we automatically consider you for an international scholarship of up to 30 per cent off your course fees – no separate application required! Just apply for your Swinburne course of choice and when we review your course application, we will also assess you for an international scholarship.
Apply through an agent
Most international students use an education agent to help them through the application process. Swinburne has agents all over the world that can help you with your application to study. Search for a Swinburne representative in your country. If your country is not listed, please contact us.
Apply for apprenticeship or traineeship
Before enrolling in one of our courses, you’ll need to find an employer willing to offer you an apprenticeship or traineeship.
Your employer will need to register you through an Australian Apprenticeship Centre (AAC) by calling 1800 639 629 or going to the Australian Apprenticeship Centre website.
If you need help with your CV, or finding the right employer, our team is here to help. You can contact them at the Swinburne Skills & Jobs Centre.