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Engineering Mechanical Trades Make IT - Qualifications

Occupation Description

Mechanical engineering tradespersons carry out a range of mechanical work on machines, sub-assemblies and manufactured parts using a range of processes, tools and machines.

A mechanical engineering tradesperson may…

examine detailed drawings or specifications to find out job, material and equipment requirements

set up and adjust metalworking machines and equipment

operate machines to produce parts or tools by turning, boring, milling, planing, shaping, slotting, grinding or drilling metal stock or components

fit and assemble metal parts, tools or sub-assemblies, including the welding or brazing of parts

cut, thread, bend and install hydraulic and pneumatic pipes and lines

dismantle faulty tools and assemblies and repair or replace defective parts

set up and-or operate hand and machine tools, welding equipment or computer numerically controlled (CNC) machines

check accuracy and quality of finished parts, tools or sub-assemblies.

Mechanical engineering tradespersons may specialise as a…

Fitter who fits and assembles parts and sub-assemblies made from metal and other materials to make production machinery and other equipment. They may be known as bench fitters, diesel fitter mechanics, fitter machinists, fitter welders, fluid power fitters or maintenance fitters.

Gunsmith who alters, services and repairs rifles, revolvers and other firearms. They may also make ammunition or refill used cartridges using special tools and machines. To possess firearms you need to hold a firearms licence. To deal in or repair firearms, you need to hold a firearm dealers licence. You may be required to undergo training in the safe handling and use of firearms. Apply to your local police station.

Locksmith who tests security requirements and installs and maintains locks and related security equipment. Locksmiths who want to install security lock systems must undergo a police check before being issued with a security licence.

Metal Machinist who sets up and operates tools to cut, shape and form metal stock and castings to exact sizes, using detailed drawings, computer aided drawing (CAD) systems and specifications.

Toolmaker who makes and repairs moulds, dies, jigs, fixtures, press tools and other special equipment, to produce parts for industrial machinery and most other manufactured articles. They may make precision machinery for machine tools and other manufacturing machinery.

Personal Requirements

You should

enjoy technical work

have practical ability

be physically fit

have good hand-eye coordination

be able to work independently

be able to work as part of a team

have attention to detail

possess normal hearing

have no skin allergies

be safety conscious

Environment

Mechanical engineering tradespersons are employed by engineering workshops, boat and ship builders and manufacturing firms . Locksmiths and gunsmiths are employed by locksmithing and security firms or are sometimes self-employed. Most mechanical engineering tradespersons usually work in workshops or production areas that can be noisy, and - or hot and - or dusty. They may spend most of their day standing and often need to bend, crouch or climb. Mechanical engineering tradespersons must be aware of safety regulations and wear protective equipment (for example, ear muffs, eye and other body protection to minimise the risk of injury in the workplace).

Training

You can sometimes work as a mechanical engineering worker without undertaking any formal training or qualifications however some employers will prefer that you do. To work as a CNC operator or an equipment maintainer or repairer you will usually require a Certificate II in Engineering.

With experience, and possibly some further training, mechanical engineering workers may become a mechanical engineering tradesperson. This will usually require a Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade).

With further study and experience, competent mechanical engineering tradespeople can upgrade their qualifications to the work as technician, supervisor or draftsperson ( Certificate IV in Engineering). Further steps include occupations such as CNC robotic cell designer, mechatronics technician, systems, mechatronics or CAM (computer aided machine) designer (Diploma of Engineering (Advanced Trade), and engineering associate or para-professional (Advanced Diploma of Engineering). It is always possible that you can end up in a number of senior management positions.

Certificate II in Engineering
Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade)
Certificate IV in Engineering
Diploma of Engineering (Advanced Trade)
Advanced Diploma of Engineering

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.



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