Occupation Description

Surface finishing workers are engineering fabrication trades workers found in the fabrication of metal products and in a wide range of metal engineering production operations. They work in the fabrication of heavy, light and cast metal products, and in general metal engineering production. They finish products by cleaning, polishing, filing or bathing them in acid solutions, and by applying protective, engineering or decorative coatings.

Surface finishing occupations include…

Surface finishing workers may…

Personal Requirements

You should

Environment

Surface finishing workers work in workshops or production areas that can be noisy, hot, and dusty and at times contain fumes, however the work environments are generally spacious, ventilated and well lit. The majority of their work is spent standing and they sometimes work shifts.

Surface finishing workers may work in a team or alone and because of the nature of their work safety awareness and compliance with regulations is important. They must be aware of safety regulations and must wear supplied protective equipment.

Training

You can sometimes work as a surface finishing worker without undertaking any formal training or qualifications however some employers will prefer that you do. To work as a surface finishing worker you will usually require a Certificate II in Engineering. With experience, and possibly some further training, surface finishing worker s can become surface finishing technicians . This will usually require a Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Trade).

You can work at even higher levels within this occupation and sector. With experience, and possibly further training, you can work in advanced trade or technician occupations, and also at a para-professional level assisting engineers.

Of course you can continue to progress further along a career pathway that could see you in a number of senior management positions.

Certificate II in Engineering
Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Trade)

Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects

For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .

Printed Resources

The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).

Where Can I Go From This Job?

To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.