Sheet Metal Apprenticeship
MEM31922 – Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Sheet Metal)
Kickstart your career as a sheet metal worker with a paid apprenticeship
Sheet metal work is a manual job, making it ideal for those who enjoy doing practical, hands-on work and who pride themselves on a job well done.
Those in the sheet metal trade are involved in the production, manufacture, repair and installation of a wide range of light metal products using thin, flat sheets of metal, primarily zinc-covered steel, stainless steel, vinyl covered steel, copper and aluminium.
Sheet metal workers play an important role in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, and aerospace. They use their skills and expertise to create high-quality, durable sheet metal products that are essential to many different applications. Sheet metal workers commonly construct things like ventilating systems, furnaces, roof decking, pipes, car bodies, signs, cladding, components for commercial kitchens, specialised cabinets & equipment and so much more.
Completion Time
- 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
- Sheet metal worker
- Metal fabricator
- Metal spinner
- Sheet metal patternmaker
- Production manager
- Self-employer contractor/business owner
- Engineering technician
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 sheet metal apprenticeship?
- Can work accurately and carefully when taking measurements
- Enjoy working in a workshop environment
- Enjoy using precision tools
- Sheet metal apprentices should be able to communicate effectively with team members and supervisors. They must be able to take direction and ask questions when needed.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and blueprints
- Can assess and follow processes
- Can determine what materials and tools are needed to complete a job
- Should have good mathematical skills, including the ability to perform basic calculations, such as measuring angles and calculating dimensions. They must be able to read and interpret technical specifications and make accurate measurements
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 a Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade. The skills associated with this qualification are intended to apply to a wide range of fabrication work (e.g. boiler making, welding, sheet metal, blacksmithing)
To specifically major in sheet metal work, 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 E
- Elective units of competency to a maximum value of 23 points from Group H
Click here to view the elective and core Units of Competency for specialising in sheet metal.
How do I apply?
To apply for an exciting career as a sheet metal worker 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 Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Sheet Metal) is right for you, or how our paid apprenticeships work? Simply fill out the form below and we’ll get back to you.