← Certificate III qualifications
Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade
MEM - Manufacturing and Engineering
Apprenticeship outcome for fitting and turning, machining and mechanical-trade work.
Entry requirements
- Signed apprenticeship contract
What you will learn
The MEM30219 covers mechanical fitting, turning and machining work in manufacturing and maintenance environments. Core units include reading engineering drawings, machining components on lathe and milling machine, fitting bearings and seals, aligning shafts and pumps, basic hydraulics and pneumatics, and preventive maintenance of mechanical plant. Many RTOs also offer CNC machining streams using Haas, Mazak or Fanuc controls. You learn to work to AS 1100 technical drawing standards and measure to tight tolerances using micrometers, vernier calipers and bore gauges.
Skills you build
- Reading mechanical drawings to AS 1100
- Turning components on a centre lathe
- Milling work on manual and CNC machines
- Fitting bearings, seals, gears and couplings
- Aligning shafts and pumps with dial indicators
- Hydraulic and pneumatic system maintenance
- Reading and interpreting fault diagnosis data
How the course runs
Most apprentices attend TAFE in one to two week blocks each term or one day per week. Total formal TAFE contact is around 600 hours over the four years, with theory and practical split roughly 30/70. Day-to-day on-job work is fully hands-on, balanced between workshop machining and maintenance call-outs depending on the employer.
How you will be assessed
- Practical demonstrations on lathe and milling machines
- Precision measurement tasks with micrometers and bore gauges
- Written knowledge tests per unit of competency
- Third-party reports from your supervising tradesperson
- On-job evidence portfolios with photos and drawings
Workplace and placement
The apprenticeship is a four-year paid workplace contract under the Australian Apprenticeships framework. You sign a Training Contract with a manufacturing workshop, mining maintenance team or production plant. Apprentice wages are set under the Manufacturing and Associated Industries Award and rise each year. Resources sector employers often pay above-award with site allowances and shift loadings.
Typical employers
- Manufacturing plants in food, FMCG and packaging
- Mining and resources sector maintenance teams
- Defence equipment manufacturers and shipyards
- Power station and refinery maintenance teams
- Agricultural equipment dealers and service workshops
- General engineering and pump-repair workshops
Pay after this qualification
$70,000 - $105,000 per year
Source: https://www.jobsandskills.gov.au/explore-careers/occupation/metal-fitters-and-machinists. Last reviewed 2026-05-21.
Is this the right course for you?
You probably thrive here if
- You enjoy precision work to fine tolerances
- You can read engineering drawings confidently
- You can troubleshoot mechanical faults methodically
- You can handle workshop noise, dust and oils
- You can take direction in a shift-work environment
It is probably not for you if
- You cannot commit to four years of apprentice pay
- You struggle with maths and measurement
- You have a back or hand condition that limits machine work
- You do not like getting your hands dirty
After you finish
After completing the apprenticeship you can pursue Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119) for technician roles, Certificate IV in Hydraulics or Certificate IV in Maintenance Planning. The Diploma of Engineering - Technical (MEM50219) opens engineering associate roles. Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) at RMIT, Curtin, Deakin and UTS offers significant credit toward an Engineers Australia accredited degree.