Overview

Are you a tradesperson or apprentice who wants to enhance your expertise? The Certificate IV in Engineering will give you practical skills to apply to diverse fields such as: mechatronics, patternmaking, robotics and toolmaking. The course is designed to upgrade your pre-existing knowledge in the trades sector and increase your confidence! Prepare for jobs with increased responsibility across the engineering sector. 

This is a nationally approved vocational course that is recognised throughout Australia.

  • Nationally recognised training
    Nationally recognised training
  • TAFE Victoria
    TAFE Victoria
Put Swinburne to the test

Looking for your #1 VTAC preference? Join us online for the VTAC Applications and Scholarship Webinar on 29 August, or attend our on-campus Aviation Info Session on 31 August.

Skills you’ll learn

  • Casting and moulding
  • CNC Programming
  • Patternmaking
  • Robotics
  • Mechatronics
  • Welding and fabrication

Your career opportunities

  • Welding technician
  • Toolmaking
  • Mechatronics technician
  • Marine electronics technician
  • Plant mechanics technician
  • Clock services and repair technician

Location options

Admissions

While there is no qualification entry requirement, it is assumed that the learner is either already a tradesperson with access to structured on and off-the-job training or is an apprentice under an Australian Apprenticeship arrangement. It should not be used as a pre-employment or pre-apprenticeship program. It is specifically designed to cover the skills and knowledge required of workers employed as Engineering/Manufacturing Tradesperson – Special Class Level II as defined in the Manufacturing and Associated Industries and Occupations Award.

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.

English language requirements

Satisfactory completion of one of the following:

Need to undertake an English assessment for entry?

A prerequisite for many courses, the Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic) can now be done at our Hawthorn campus.

Credit transfer

Credit is granted in recognition of previous study and allows students to gain advanced standing towards their course. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Recognition of prior learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) allows students to gain credit (advanced standing) towards their course in recognition of skills and knowledge gained through work experience, life experience and/or formal training. Applicants are assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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

To be awarded the MEM40119 Certificate IV in Engineering units of competency to a value of 132 points must be achieved, chosen as outlined below:

  • Core units of competency listed below (totalling 33 points)

  • Elective units of competency to a minimum value of 12 points from Group A
  • Elective units of competency to a maximum value of 87 points from Group B to bring the total value to 132 points.

12
Core units
+
1
Specialisation
=
Certificate IV
Indicative nominal course hours: 1320

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering
Core unit
MEM13015
Use hand tools
Core unit
MEM18001
Use power tools/hand held operations
Core unit
MEM18002
Perform engineering measurement
Core unit
MEM12023
Interpret technical drawing
Core unit
MEM09002
Undertake manual handling
Core unit
MEM11011
Perform computations
Core unit
MEM12024
Plan work activities
Core unit
MEM14006
Organise and communicate information
Core unit
MEM16006A
Interact with computing technology
Core unit
MEM16008A
Assist in the provision of on-the-job training
Core unit
MEM17003
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Core unit
MSMENV272
Units of study Unit code
Elective units
Perform manual heating and thermal cutting
Elective unit
MEM05007
Perform advanced manual thermal cutting, gouging and shaping
Elective unit
MEM05008
Perform sheet and plate assembly
Elective unit
MEM03003
Carry out mechanical cutting
Elective unit
MEM05005
Select welding processes
Elective unit
MEM05051
Apply safe welding practices
Elective unit
MEM05052
Mark off/out structural fabrications and shapes
Elective unit
MEM12007
Perform geometric development
Elective unit
MEM05037
Apply fabrication, forming and shaping techniques
Elective unit
MEM05010
Perform automated thermal cutting
Elective unit
MEM05009
Assemble fabricated components
Elective unit
MEM05011
Repair, replace and/or modify fabrications
Elective unit
MEM05036
Perform brazing and/or silver soldering
Elective unit
MEM05006
Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding
Elective unit
MEM05049
Weld using gas tungsten arc welding process
Elective unit
MEM05019
Perform advanced welding using gas tungsten arc welding process
Elective unit
MEM05020
Perform routine gas metal arc welding
Elective unit
MEM05050
Weld using gas metal arc welding process
Elective unit
MEM05017
Perform advanced welding using gas metal arc welding process
Elective unit
MEM05018
Perform routine manual metal arc welding
Elective unit
MEM05012
Weld using manual metal arc welding process
Elective unit
MEM05015
Perform advanced welding using manual metal arc welding process
Elective unit
MEM05016
Weld using flux core arc welding process
Elective unit
MEM05047
Perform advanced welding using flux core arc welding process
Elective unit
MEM05048
Perform routine flux core arc welding
Elective unit
MEM05056
Units of study Unit code
Elective units
Set computer controlled machines and processes
Elective unit
MEM07015
Set and edit computer controlled machines and processes
Elective unit
MEM07016
Write basic NC and CNC programs
Elective unit
MEM07018
Program NC and CNC machining centre
Elective unit
MEM07019
Program multiple spindle and multiple axis NC and CNC machining centre
Elective unit
MEM07020
Operate and monitor machine and process
Elective unit
MEM07024
Operate computer controlled machines and processes
Elective unit
MEM07028
Prepare basic engineering drawing
Elective unit
MEM09003
Create 2D drawings using computer aided design (CAD) system
Elective unit
MEM09009
Create 3D models using computer aided design (CAD) system
Elective unit
MEM09010
Create 2D code files using computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system
Elective unit
MEM09022
Create 3D code files using computer aided manufacturing (CAM) system
Elective unit
MEM09023
Perform precision mechanical measurement
Elective unit
MEM12003
Perform general machining
Elective unit
MEM07005
Units of study Unit code
Elective units
Perform lathe operations
Elective unit
MEM07006
Perform milling operations
Elective unit
MEM07007
Perform grinding operations
Elective unit
MEM07008
Perform complex lathe operations
Elective unit
MEM07021
Mark off/out (general engineering)
Elective unit
MEM12006
Use tools for precision work
Elective unit
MEM18003
Perform precision fitting of engineering components
Elective unit
MEM18006
Dismantle, replace and assemble engineering components
Elective unit
MEM18055
Perform basic incidental heat/quenching, tempering and annealing
Elective unit
MEM06007
Perform precision levelling and alignment of machines and engineering components
Elective unit
MEM18018
Maintain pneumatic systems
Elective unit
MEM18019
Maintain hydraulic system components
Elective unit
MEM18020
Maintain hydraulic systems
Elective unit
MEM18021
Maintain fluid power controls
Elective unit
MEM18022
Perform routine oxy fuel gas welding
Elective unit
MEM05004

2023 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$17,900

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$6350

Concession rate* ($AUD)

$1270

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 2023 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 only. They are based on a standard study load per year. However, please note that fees are assessed according to a student's study load in each semester, and variation to study load will result in an adjustment to tuition fees. All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

Skills first government-subsidised place

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.

Eligibility for VET student loans (VSL)

If you apply for a VET Student Loan, Swinburne must first verify your identity. If you are eligible, we will provide your enrolment information to the government so you can complete the application within their eCAF system.

The VET Student Loan amount for this course is capped. You must start repaying this loan once you earn above the compulsory repayment threshold.

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.

  • Portrait   Female Nurse  Scrubs  Hospital Work  Smiling  Happy  Clipboard

    Study this course for free in 2023

    You could have your tuition fees covered in 2023 thanks to the Victorian Government's Free TAFE for Priority Courses initiative. 

    Free TAFE for Priority Courses is available to any Australian citizen, permanent resident or New Zealand citizen.

    There are other factors, too. The best way to find out if you’re eligible is to apply!

Scholarships

Scholarship applications for 2023 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.

Representatives and agents
MEM40119
Search for agents

Apply directly

Ready to take on a new challenge and reach your academic goals? If you already know which course you want to study and understand the entry requirements, what are you waiting for? Apply online! Remember, you cannot apply direct if you have an active VTAC application.

Start dates
Location
Last date to apply
Start dates
October intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
27-September-2023
Start dates
02-October-2023
February intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
24-January-2024
Start dates
29-January-2024
April intake
Location
Wantirna
Last date to apply
27-March-2024
Start dates
01-April-2024
Start dates
Location
Start dates
October intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
02-October-2023
February intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
29-January-2024
April intake
Location
Wantirna
Start dates
01-April-2024
Upcoming events
Swinburne Innovation Challenge
29-November-2023