This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification defines the skills and knowledge required of an engineering tradesperson - toolmaking within metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries. The qualification has been specifically developed for apprentices in the above trade.
This qualification must be undertaken through a Training Contract or through formal trade recognition assessment processes.
The skills associated with this qualification are intended to apply to a wide range of toolmaking trade work, including the manufacture, modification and maintenance of tooling.
This qualification is designed to provide an industry recognised skills profile related to trade work as a toolmaking tradesperson.
Assessment of some units of competency must, where indicated, include evidence of the candidate’s performance in a functioning workplace where there is a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application of those units. All outcomes must reflect the standard of performance inherent in the job.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication. However, in some jurisdictions units in this qualification may require a license or relate to regulatory requirements. Licensing and regulatory information is included in the relevant units of competence.
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do an apprenticeship.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through an apprenticeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This apprenticeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through apprenticeship:
4 years
- Through apprenticeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Assist in the provision of on-the-job training | Core |
| Dismantle, replace and assemble engineering components | Core |
| Interact with computing technology | Core |
| Interpret technical drawing | Core |
| Maintain tools and dies | Core |
| Mark off/out (general engineering) | Core |
| Organise and communicate information | Core |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | Core |
| Perform advanced trade calculations in a manufacturing, engineering or related environment | Core |
| Perform basic incidental heat/quenching, tempering and annealing | Core |
| Perform computations | Core |
| Perform engineering measurements | Core |
| Perform general machining | Core |
| Perform grinding operations | Core |
| Perform lathe operations | Core |
| Perform milling operations | Core |
| Perform precision fitting of engineering components | Core |
| Perform precision mechanical measurement | Core |
| Plan work activities | Core |
| Undertake manual handling | Core |
| Use hand tools | Core |
| Use power tools/hand held operations | Core |
| Use tools for precision work | Core |
| Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering | Core |
| Apply basic engineering design concepts | Elective |
| Apply safe welding practices | Elective |
| Carry out heat treatment | Elective |
| Carry out mechanical cutting | Elective |
| Manufacture cavity dies | Elective |
| Manufacture press tools and gauges | Elective |
| Measure components using coordinate measuring machines | Elective |
| Operate as a team member to conduct manufacturing, engineering or related activities | Elective |
| Perform basic statistical quality control | Elective |
| Perform brazing and/or silver soldering | Elective |
| Perform complex grinding operations | Elective |
| Perform complex lathe operations | Elective |
| Perform complex milling operations | Elective |
| Perform electro-discharge machining (EDM) operations | Elective |
| Perform machining operations using horizontal and vertical boring machines | Elective |
| Perform manual heating and thermal cutting | Elective |
| Perform precision jig boring operations | Elective |
| Perform precision shaping/planing/slotting operations | Elective |
| Perform routine gas metal arc welding | Elective |
| Perform routine gas tungsten arc welding | Elective |
| Perform routine manual metal arc welding | Elective |
| Perform routine oxy fuel gas welding | Elective |
| Perform tool and cutter grinding operations | Elective |
| Prepare basic engineering drawing | Elective |
| Program CNC wire cut machines | Elective |
| Program coordinate measuring machines | Elective |
| Program coordinate measuring machines (advanced) | Elective |
| Select heat treatment processes and test finished product | Elective |
| Select welding processes | Elective |
| Set and edit computer controlled machines and processes | Elective |
| Set and operate coordinate measuring machines | Elective |
| Set computer controlled machines and processes | Elective |
| Weld using flame powder spraying | Elective |
| Weld using oxy fuel gas welding process | Elective |
| Work safely with industrial chemicals and materials | Elective |
| Work safely with molten metals/glass | Elective |
| Write basic NC and CNC programs | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking Trade sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Metal Fabricator
ANZSCO 322311
Metal Fabricators mark off and fabricate structural steel and other metal stock to make or repair metal products and structures such as boilers and pressure vessels.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Avionics)
ANZSCO 323111
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Avionics) inspect, test, align, repair and install aircraft electrical and avionic system components.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Mechanical)
ANZSCO 323112
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Mechanical) inspect, test, repair and install aircraft hydromechanical and flight system components and aircraft engines, subassemblies and components.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures)
ANZSCO 323113
Aircraft Maintenance Engineers (Structures) inspect, dismantle and reassemble aircraft structures, and repair and replace components of aircraft frames.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Fitter (General)
ANZSCO 323211
Fitters (General) fit and assemble metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Fitter and Turner
ANZSCO 323212
Fitters and Turners fit, assemble, grind and shape metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Fitter-Welder
ANZSCO 323213
Fitter-Welders fit, assemble and weld metal parts and subassemblies to fabricate production machines and other equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Metal Machinist (First Class)
ANZSCO 323214
Metal Machinists (First Class) set up and operate machine tools to shape and form metal stock and castings to fine tolerances, using detailed drawings and specifications.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanic
ANZSCO 323215
Textile, Clothing and Footwear Mechanics set up, adjust and maintain industrial or domestic sewing machines, or machines used in the production of yarn, textiles or footwear.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Other Metal Fitter and Machinist
ANZSCO 323299
Other Metal Fitters and Machinists includes jobs like Printing Engineer.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Engraver
ANZSCO 323311
Engravers inscribe letters, figures and designs on metal, glass, wood, rubber, plastic and other surfaces.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Gunsmith
ANZSCO 323312
Gunsmiths modify, service and repair rifles, revolvers and other firearms.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Locksmith
ANZSCO 323313
Locksmiths install and maintain locks and related security devices and systems.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer
ANZSCO 323314
Precision Instrument Makers and Repairers assemble, calibrate, install and overhaul mechanical precision instruments and equipment.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Saw Doctor
ANZSCO 323315
Saw Doctors repair, set and sharpen blades for circular, band and other saws.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Watch and Clock Maker and Repairer
ANZSCO 323316
Watch and Clock Makers and Repairers make, repair, clean and adjust watches and clocks.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Engineering Patternmaker
ANZSCO 323411
Engineering Patternmakers construct full-size engineering models usually made out of timber, which are used in manufacturing to produce metal castings, copy models, vacuum form tooling and tooling for the automotive, aircraft or fibreglass industries.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Toolmaker
ANZSCO 323412
Toolmakers make and repair tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and other precision parts and equipment to fine tolerances, for machine tools and other production machinery.
Recommended education level:
Certificate III or IV -
Boiler and Engine Operator
ANZSCO 712911
Boiler or Engine Operators operate and maintain stationary engines, boilers, refrigeration and airconditioning systems, and associated mechanical plants.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Engineering - Toolmaking Trade
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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PARTEC (RTO code 0195)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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VETASSESS (RTO code 21097)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.