Boilermaking/Welding Apprenticeship
MEM31922 – Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking/Welding)
Kickstart your career with a paid apprenticeship
Boilermakers and welders are amongst the oldest trades in the construction industry. While they both work with metal, there are differences in their skills and job duties.
Boilermakers are a type of skilled tradesman who fabricate, install, and maintain boilers, tanks, and closed vats. They often work in power plants, refineries, and factories. Boilermakers perform a variety of tasks, such as reading blueprints, using measuring tools and performing physical labour.
Welders specialise in joining two pieces of metal together by using heat to melt the metal and create a strong bond. They must have a strong understanding of how different metals react to heat and how to create a weld that will not break under stress.
In comparing the two roles, the daily responsibilities of a boilermaker tend to be a bit more varied than those of a welder.
By obtaining a Certificate III in Engineering (Boilermaking/Welding) you’ll obtain these dual skill sets. This will open up an enormous amount of potential career-wise, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to begin a trade based apprenticeship.
Completion Time
- 3.5 – 4 years
Registration Criteria
- Sound literacy and numeracy skills
- You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a valid visa that allows you to work in Australia.
- At least 15 years old
- Construction White Card – this can be obtained online prior to the commencement of your apprenticeship
Recommended:
- Manual drivers license and own transport
- Participation in the Trade Taster program and relevant work experience is also highly desirable
Career Outcomes
- Boilermaker/welder
- Self-employed contractor
- Production manager
- Custom fabricator
- Vehicle, machinery and equipment repairer
Earn while you learn with East Coast Apprenticeships
East Coast Apprenticeships combines both theory and practical on-site skills learning. Our approach is to directly employ potential apprentices such as yourself by placing you with ‘Host Employers’ which are usually local, small to medium sized businesses. You will work and train under the supervision of an experienced tradesperson upon placement with a Host Employer.
When you commence employment with us, you will be officially signed up as an apprentice with a Training Contract which is nationally recognised.
Whilst you are working on-site, you will earn an hourly wage. Your wages will depend on several factors, such as your age and your level of education. Your wages may increase with each completed year of your apprenticeship.
In addition to your paid practical work, you will need to attend classroom lessons for 1 or 2 week periods 2-3 times throughout the year. These lessons will take place at one of our recommended/approved Supervising Registered Training Organisations (SRTOs). SRTOs can include TAFE colleges and institutes, adult and community education providers as well as other relevant industry organisations. This will all be arranged with you by East Coast Apprenticeships.
Successfully passing these theory modules is necessary to obtaining your apprenticeship qualification.
What skills does it take to successfully complete a boilermaking/welding apprenticeship?
- Strong mechanical skills
- Ability to understand blueprints, drawings, and specifications to determine job requirements
- Comfortable using hand tools, flame cutting torches, and metal cutting machines
- Physical strength and stamina
- Comfortable working at heights and in a workshop environment
What are the costs of enrolling?
There are no costs involved in being employed as an East Coast apprentice – instead you get paid for your on-site work.
Student fees may apply for the enrolment in the necessary theory modules and to attend classes at your designated SRTO. However, upon successful completion of these modules, you will be fully reimbursed for all fees. Financial help/loans are available for you to be able to purchase any necessary tools and equipment required to complete on-site work.
Click to learn more about the Australian Apprentice Training Support Payment.
Units of Competency
Please note that the course code MEM31922 applies to Certificate III Engineering – Fabrication Trade and that the skills associated with this qualification are intended to apply to a wide range of fabrication work (e.g. sheet metal, blacksmithing, surface finishing)
To specifically major in Boilermaking/Welding, you must complete Units of Competency to the value of 96 points comprised of the following:
- All core units of competency (totalling 33 points)
- Elective units of competency to a minimum value of 40 points from Group D
- Elective units of competency to a maximum value of 23 points from Group H
How do I apply?
To apply for an exciting career as a Boilermaker/Welder and to start earning while you learn, visit the Apply Now page.
Applying online is mobile friendly but you will need to submit a resume. If you don’t have access to your resume on your mobile at the time of application, please upload it later to your profile.
Why should you choose East Coast Apprenticeships?
East Coast Apprenticeships is a community-based, not for profit organisation which has been in operation since 1988. We take pride in our workmanship and strive for a reputation of integrity and providing the highest level of guidance and support to all our apprentices and trainees.
Our Point of Difference:
As one of Queensland’s largest Group Training Organisations we are more likely to be able to rotate you to different employers to either keep you working in your trade or provide you greater exposure to the full scope of the trade as well as develop a wider set of skills by learning from different tradesmen. Throughout your apprenticeship you will also establish a number of contacts within the industry to enhance your prospects within the sector upon completion of your apprenticeship.
Pastoral Care:
Finally, as a Group Training Organisation, East Coast Apprenticeships offers a unique service of “Pastoral Care” to apprentices and trainees. The value of Pastoral Care offered to students is that they are nurtured and supported by experienced Field Officers who foster encouragement, a positive influence, improved decision-making skills and increased self-esteem by ensuring each apprentice is making strong progress within their apprenticeship and supporting them through any challenges.
Click here to read more about our Pastoral Care policy.
East Coast offices providing management / support are located at:
- Brisbane North (Strathpine)
- Brisbane South (Upper Mount Gravatt)
- Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore)
- Bundaberg
- Hervey Bay
Talk to the team at East Coast Apprenticeships.
Do you have some questions about whether a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking/Welding) is right for you, or how our paid apprenticeships work? Simply fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you.