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 a detail draftsperson producing specialist engineering drawings within metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries.
The skills associated with this qualification are intended to apply to the production of engineering detail drawings as applied in manufacturing, engineering and related industry sectors and is intended to be packaged to meet the specific needs of drafting in mechanical and machine construction and maintenance, steel fabrication, other fabrication services and assembly, mechanical services, electrical services, fluid power, piping assembly and related industrial applications.
This qualification should not be used for VET in Schools unless the students are formally engaged in a traineeship in accordance with the Australian Apprenticeships policy.
In some jurisdictions, units in this qualification may relate to licensing or regulatory requirements. Licensing and regulatory information is included in the relevant units of competency.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the time of publication. Local regulations should be checked.
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Financial help
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Government funding is not available for this course.
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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.
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On-the-job training
- Apprenticeships and traineeships are not available for this course.
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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.
- Qualification only:
6 months – 2 years
- Qualification only:
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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 |
|---|---|
| Apply mathematical techniques in a manufacturing engineering or related environment | Core |
| Interact with computing technology | Core |
| Organise and communicate information | Core |
| Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | Core |
| Analyse a simple electrical system circuit | Elective |
| Apply basic economic and ergonomic concepts to evaluate engineering applications | Elective |
| Apply cost factors to work practices | Elective |
| Apply quality standards | Elective |
| Apply surface modelling techniques to 3D drawings | Elective |
| Apply work health and safety regulations, codes and practices in the workplace | Elective |
| Assist in the analysis of a supply chain | Elective |
| Assist in the preparation of a basic workplace layout | Elective |
| Calculate force systems within simple beam structures | Elective |
| Calculate stresses in simple structures | Elective |
| Create 3D model assemblies using computer-aided design (CAD) system | Elective |
| Create 3D solid models using computer-aided design (CAD) system | Elective |
| Detail ancillary steelwork | Elective |
| Detail bearings, seals and other componentry in mechanical drawings | Elective |
| Detail bolts and welds for structural steelwork connections | Elective |
| Detail fasteners and locking devices in mechanical drawings | Elective |
| Detail standardised structural connections | Elective |
| Detail structural steel members | Elective |
| Estimate and cost work | Elective |
| Interpret and produce curved 3D shapes and patterns | Elective |
| Interpret design specifications for structural steel detailing | Elective |
| Interpret technical drawing | Elective |
| Measure and sketch site information | Elective |
| Operate computer-aided design (CAD) system to produce basic drawing elements | Elective |
| Participate in drafting projects for building services | Elective |
| Participate in product engineering | Elective |
| Participate in quality assurance techniques | Elective |
| Perform basic statistical quality control | Elective |
| Perform civil drafting | Elective |
| Perform computations | Elective |
| Perform engineering measurements | Elective |
| Prepare a simple cost estimate for a manufactured product | Elective |
| Prepare drawings for fabricated sheet metal products | Elective |
| Prepare plans for pipe and duct fabrication | Elective |
| Prepare to work safely in the construction industry | Elective |
| Produce basic engineering detail drawings | Elective |
| Produce basic engineering drawings | Elective |
| Produce detailed drawings of steel to non-steel connections | Elective |
| Produce drawings for mechanical services | Elective |
| Produce drawings for reticulated services | Elective |
| Produce drawings or models for industrial piping | Elective |
| Produce electrical schematic drawings | Elective |
| Produce freehand sketches | Elective |
| Produce schematic drawings for hydraulic and pneumatic fluid power systems | Elective |
| Provide advanced customer service | Elective |
| Read and interpret technical engineering drawings | Elective |
| Report technical information | Elective |
| Select common engineering materials | Elective |
| Select welding processes | Elective |
| Set up basic hydraulic circuits | Elective |
| Set up basic pneumatic circuits | Elective |
| Sustain process improvements | Elective |
| Use computer-aided design (CAD) to create and display 3D models | Elective |
| Use drawings, diagrams, schedules, standards, codes and specifications | Elective |
| Use resource planning software systems in manufacturing | Elective |
| Work effectively in an engineering drafting workplace | Elective |
| Work in a socially diverse environment | Elective |
| Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Civil Engineering Draftsperson
ANZSCO 312211
Civil Engineering Draftspersons prepare detailed drawings and plans for civil engineering work in support of Civil Engineering Professionals and Engineering Technologists.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Civil Engineering Technician
ANZSCO 312212
Civil Engineering Technicians conduct tests of construction materials, prepare sketches and tabulations, and assist in estimating costs in support of Civil Engineering Professionals and Engineering Technologists.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Electrical Engineering Draftsperson
ANZSCO 312311
Electrical Engineering Draftspersons prepare detailed drawings and plans of electrical installations and circuitry in support of Electrical Engineers and Engineering Technologists.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Electronic Engineering Draftsperson
ANZSCO 312411
Electronic Engineering Draftspersons prepare detailed drawings and plans of electronic engineering work in support of Electronics Engineers and Engineering Technologists.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Mechanical Engineering Draftsperson
ANZSCO 312511
Mechanical Engineering Draftspersons prepare detailed drawings and plans of mechanical engineering work in support of Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Technologists.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree -
Mechanical Engineering Technician
ANZSCO 312512
Mechanical Engineering Technicians conduct tests of mechanical systems, collect and analyse data, and assemble and install mechanical assemblies in support of Mechanical Engineers and Engineering Technologists.
Recommended education level:
Diploma, Advanced Diploma or Associate Degree
Training providers delivering Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting
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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TAFE QUEENSLAND (RTO code 0275)
Contact this provider
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Air Conditioning & Mechanical Contractors Association of Australia (RTO code 5139)
Contact this provider
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APT Specialist Hydraulics and Training (RTO code 91637)
Contact this provider
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Australian Institute of Advanced Studies (RTO code 40730)
Contact this provider
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Outsource Institute (AUS) (RTO code 31560)
Contact this provider
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TAFE NSW (RTO code 90003)
Contact this provider
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TasTAFE (RTO code 60142)
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.