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.

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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

Location options

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. 

Learn more about credit

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.

Learn more about RPL

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.

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.

11
Core units
+
17
Elective units
=
Certificate III
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 960

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.

Learn more about Skills first government subsidies

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.

Find out more about fees

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.
Learn more about paying your fees

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.

Learn more about concession rates

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.

Learn more about scholarships

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.

Learn more about scholarships

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.

Representatives and agents
MEM30219
Search for agents

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.

Australian Apprenticeship Centre
Visit website
Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
February intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
29-January-2025
Start dates
03-February-2025
March intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
26-February-2025
Start dates
03-March-2025
April intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
02-April-2025
Start dates
07-April-2025
May intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
30-April-2025
Start dates
05-May-2025
June intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
28-May-2025
Start dates
02-June-2025
July intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
02-July-2025
Start dates
07-July-2025
August intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
30-July-2025
Start dates
04-August-2025
September intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
03-September-2025
Start dates
08-September-2025
October intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
01-October-2025
Start dates
06-October-2025
November intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
29-October-2025
Start dates
03-November-2025
Start dates
Location
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February intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
03-February-2025
March intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
03-March-2025
April intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
07-April-2025
May intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
05-May-2025
June intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
02-June-2025
July intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
07-July-2025
August intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
04-August-2025
September intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
08-September-2025
October intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
06-October-2025
November intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
03-November-2025
Upcoming events
Change of Preference Expo 2024
13-December-2024