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
Looking to start in Semester 1, 2025?

Whatever stage you're at – from browsing courses to starting an application – our Study Expo is your one-stop-shop for info and advice.

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.

Successful completion of Australian Year 12, or equivalent overseas qualification.

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 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.

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
Course hours are estimated and may change based on study mode, unit choice, credits, or enrolment adjustments, total indicative nominal hours: 1360

Your units

Units of study Unit code
Core units
Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM13015
Use hand tools
Core unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM18001
Use power tools/hand held operations
Core unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM18002
Perform engineering measurements
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
MEM12023
Interpret technical drawing
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM09002
Undertake manual handling
Core unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM11011
Perform computations
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
MEM12024
Plan work activities
Core unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM14006
Organise and communicate information
Core unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM16006A
Interact with computing technology
Core unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM16008A
Assist in the provision of on-the-job training
Core unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM17003
Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices
Core unit, 30.0 credit points
MSMENV272
Units of study Unit code
Elective units
Perform manual heating and thermal cutting
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM05007
Perform advanced manual thermal cutting, gouging and shaping
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM05008
Perform sheet and plate assembly
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM03003
Carry out mechanical cutting
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM05005
Select welding processes
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM05051
Apply safe welding practices
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM05052
Mark off/out structural fabrications and shapes
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM12007
Perform geometric development
Elective unit, 60.0 credit points
MEM05037
Apply fabrication, forming and shaping techniques
Elective unit, 80.0 credit points
MEM05010
Perform automated thermal cutting
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM05009
Assemble fabricated components
Elective unit, 80.0 credit points
MEM05011
Repair, replace and/or modify fabrications
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM05036
Perform brazing and/or silver soldering
Elective unit
MEM05006
Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM05049
Weld using gas tungsten arc welding process
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM05019
Perform advanced welding using gas tungsten arc welding process
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM05020
Perform routine gas metal arc welding
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM05050
Weld using gas metal arc welding process
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM05017
Perform advanced welding using gas metal arc welding process
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM05018
Perform routine manual metal arc welding
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM05012
Weld using manual metal arc welding process
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM05015
Perform advanced welding using manual metal arc welding process
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM05016
Weld using flux core arc welding process
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM05047
Perform advanced welding using flux core arc welding process
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM05048
Perform routine flux core arc welding
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM05056
Units of study Unit code
Elective units
Set computer controlled machines and processes
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM07015
Set and edit computer controlled machines and processes
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM07016
Write basic NC and CNC programs
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM07018
Program NC and CNC machining centre
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM07019
Program multiple spindle and multiple axis NC and CNC machining centre
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM07020
Operate and monitor machine and process
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM07024
Operate computer controlled machines and processes
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM07028
Prepare basic engineering drawing
Elective unit, 80.0 credit points
MEM09003
Create 2-D drawings using computer-aided design system
Elective unit, 80.0 credit points
MEM09009
Create 3-D models using computer-aided design system
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM09010
Create 2-D code files using computer-aided manufacturing system
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM09022
Create 3-D code files using computer-aided manufacturing system
Elective unit, 60.0 credit points
MEM09023
Perform precision mechanical measurement
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM12003
Perform general machining
Elective unit, 80.0 credit points
MEM07005
Units of study Unit code
Elective units
Perform lathe operations
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM07006
Perform milling operations
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM07007
Perform grinding operations
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM07008
Perform complex lathe operations
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM07021
Mark off/out (general engineering)
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM12006
Use tools for precision work
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM18003
Perform precision fitting of engineering components
Elective unit, 60.0 credit points
MEM18006
Dismantle, replace and assemble engineering components
Elective unit, 30.0 credit points
MEM18055
Perform basic incidental heat/quenching, tempering and annealing
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM06007
Maintain pneumatic system components
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM18018
Maintain pneumatic systems
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM18019
Maintain hydraulic system components
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM18020
Maintain hydraulic systems
Elective unit, 40.0 credit points
MEM18021
Maintain fluid power controls
Elective unit, 80.0 credit points
MEM18022
Perform routine oxy fuel gas welding
Elective unit, 20.0 credit points
MEM05004

2024 fees

Full fee* ($AUD)

$20,050

Skills first government-subsidised place* ($AUD)

$7,120

Concession rate* ($AUD)

$1424

Yearly fee* ($AUD)

$0.00

2024 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 2024 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. International tuition fees are generally inclusive of Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSAF). All fees are subject to annual review and may be adjusted.

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.

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 2024

    You could have your tuition fees covered in 2024 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 2024 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
Start dates
Location
Start dates
Upcoming events
2025 Study Expo
12-November-2024