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Key details
Duration
This program is delivered over a period of three (3) years. The length of time to complete this qualification will depend on the location, study mode and selected units.
Intake
Locations
Entry requirements
View full entry requirementsCourse code
Overview
This course is not available for online applications. Please contact the team on the details below for further information on how to apply.
This qualification defines the skills and knowledge required of an Engineering Tradesperson - Mechanical within metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries. The qualification has been specifically developed for apprentices in the above trade.
The qualification must be undertaken through a Training Contract or through formal trade recognition assessment processes.
The qualification packaging has been developed on an assumption that competency will be developed through a combination of on and off-the-job learning strategies such as those delivered through a formal apprenticeship. The qualification may also be achieved through formal skills recognition assessment processes.
Assessment of some units of competency must, where indicated, include evidence of the candidates performance in a functioning workplace where there is a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application of those units. All outcomes must reflect the standard of performance inherent in the job.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this qualification at the tie of publication. However in some jurisdictions, units in this qualification may relate to licensing or regulatory requirements. Local regulations should be checked.
Career opportunities
Possible occupations relevant to this qualification include:
- Engineering Tradesperson - Mechanical
Credit transfers and advanced standing
Skill recognition
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
RPL is the acknowledgement of a person's skills and knowledge acquired through previous training, work or life experience, which may be used to grant status or credit in a subject regardless of how and where they were attained, including overseas.This can include skills from:
- Previous study excluding courses at another VET/TAFE institution, but including courses at school or college, through adult education classes or training programs at work;
- Work experience (including both work that is paid and unpaid); and/or
- Life experience (for example leisure pursuits or voluntary work).
RPL is a form of assessment. It is used to determine whether a person has acquired, through formal or informal learning, the skills and experience consistent with the stated competency standards that comprise a qualification. RPL is not time referenced, so there are no parameters on how or when the skills are acquired. However, the skills that have been acquired through life experience etc., must be current and must match the elements and performance criteria contained in the individual unit.
Students seeking RPL need to indicate this on their enrolment form at the time of enrolment.
For further information please refer to the Applicant's Guide to the Recognition of Prior Learning or contact Student Central on 1800 061 963 (free call) or email Student.Central@cdu.edu.au.
Credit Transfer
Charles Darwin University as a Registered Training Organisation recognises the Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications and Statement of Attainments issued by any other Australian Registered Training Organisation.
Students are encouraged to submit any requests for credit from previous studies at the time of enrolment, to ensure they are not enrolling in units they may not need to undertake.
In order to apply for exemption/credit transfer from units completed at another training organisation, you will need to complete an Application for Exemption Form available from any campus, centre, or team, or a copy of the form can be obtained from the web.
Your completed Application for Exemption form together with attached documentary evidence (certified copy of Qualification/Statement of Attainment) to support your request for exemption/credit transfer should be submitted directly to the University either in person or by mail. Requests without documentary evidence will not be processed and will be returned to students. There are no fees attached to Credit Transfers.
Pathways
VET to Higher Education Pathway Mapping for completed Awards in the same field or discipline.
Further training pathways from this qualification include MEM40119 Certificate IV in Engineering, and MEM50119 Diploma of Engineering - Advanced Trade (MEM50119 not offered by CDU).
Fees
2025 Fees
Fee Type | 2024 Course Fees |
NT Government supported* | $3,552.00 - $3,700.00 |
Full Fee | $15,235.20 - $15,870.00 |
*This course is supported by the NT Government for eligible domestic students who are NT residents. A limited number of NT Government supported places are available, so secure your place now.
Fees shown are indicative and subject to change annually. Actual course fees may vary depending on the units chosen. International non-student visa-holders; study eligibility needs to be verified before enrolment. Fees may vary depending on the visa type.
For further clarification and information on fees, payment options, instalment plans, and refunds, contact CDU on 1800 061 963 or refer to TAFE Fees and Payments.
Fee exemptions
Exemptions apply to TAFE tuition fees for NTG supported courses only.
At the time of enrolment, students in these categories will be exempt from paying tuition fees:
- Recipient of a Centrelink payment
- Recipient of Department of Veterans Affairs benefits
- Enrolled Secondary Students
- Permanent residents with refugee or humanitarian status
Certified copy of the evidence must be provided at the time of enrolment.
If your course is delivered in a location that is listed on the NTG’s Location Categories for VET Funded Programs, with remote as the location category you may be eligible for the Remote 2 Location tuition fee exemption.
International VET Package
Course information flyer(s)

Why study trades at CDU?
Whether you're an apprentice, a trainee, or already working in the industry, our trades courses are for you.
Start your career or upskill in a variety of areas from construction and electrotechnology to plumbing and metal trades. Wherever your interest lies, you'll learn from experts with industry-standard technologies and tools so you can graduate workplace ready.
- NT's largest training provider
- Access to specialised trade training facilities
- Recognition of prior learning so you can qualify faster

Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses

Why study trades at CDU?
Whether you're an apprentice, a trainee, or already working in the industry, our trades courses are for you.
Start your career or upskill in a variety of areas from construction and electrotechnology to plumbing and metal trades. Wherever your interest lies, you'll learn from experts with industry-standard technologies and tools so you can graduate workplace ready.
- NT's largest training provider
- Access to specialised trade training facilities
- Recognition of prior learning so you can qualify faster

Why study at CDU?
Study with the Northern Territory's largest training provider and gain industry-ready skills and experience.
- Access to first-class facilities
- Recognition of prior learning accepted
- Packages into higher education available for most courses
What will I study?
To achieve MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade units of competency totalling ninety-six (96) points must be completed comprising thirty-three (33) points of core and sixty-three (63) points of elective units as detailed in the packing rules and listed below. The electives offered may vary between campuses.
Course structure
The total Nominal Hours for the sequences listed below is 960 - 1000.
CORE UNITS
Code | Module/Unit of Competency | Prerequisites | Points | Hours |
Core Units | ||||
MEM09002 | Interpret technical drawing | * | 4 | 40 |
MEM11011 | Undertake manual handling | * | 2 | 20 |
MEM12023 | Perform engineering measurements | * | 5 | 30 |
MEM12024 | Perform computations | * | 3 | 30 |
MEM13015 | Work safely and effectively in manufacturing and engineering | 2 | 40 | |
MEM14006 | Plan work activities | * | 4 | 40 |
MEM16006 | Organise and communicate information | * | 2 | 20 |
MEM16008 | Interact with computing technology | * | 2 | 20 |
MEM17003 | Assist in the provision of on-the-job training | * | 2 | 20 |
MEM18001 | Use hand tools | * | 2 | 20 |
MEM18002 | Use power tools/hand held operations | * | 2 | 20 |
MSMENV272 | Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices | 3 | 30 | |
Total hours for core units | 33 | 330 | ||
Elective Units | ||||
MEM05005 | Carry out mechanical cutting | * | 2 | 20 |
MEM05007 | Perform manual heating and thermal cutting | * | 2 | 20 |
MEM05012 | Perform routine manual metal arc welding | * | 2 | 20 |
MEM05050 | Perform routine gas metal arc welding | * | 2 | 20 |
MEM07005 | Perform general machining | * | 8 | 80 |
MEM07006 | Perform lathe operations | * | 4 | 40 |
MEM07007 | Perform milling operations | * | 4 | 40 |
MEM07021 | Perform complex lathe operations | * | 4 | 40 |
MEM12003 | Perform precision mechanical measurement | 2 | 20 | |
MEM12006 | Mark off/out (general engineering) | * | 4 | 40 |
MEM18003 | Use tools for precision work | * | 4 | 40 |
MEM18005 | Perform fault diagnosis, installation and removal of bearings | * | 4 | 40 |
MEM18006 | Perform precision fitting of engineering components | * | 6 | 60 |
MEM18007 | Maintain and repair mechanical drives and mechanical transmission assemblies | * | 4 | 40 |
MEM18008 | Balance equipment | * | 2 | 20 |
MEM18009 | Perform precision levelling and alignment of machines and engineering components | * | 4 | 40 |
MEM18013 | Perform gland packing | * | 2 | 20 |
MEM18020 | Maintain hydraulic system components | * | 4 | 40 |
MEM18055 | Dismantle, replace and assemble engineering components | * | 3 | 30 |
Total points/Total nominal hours for elective units | 63 | 630 - 670 | ||
Total nominal hours for the qualification | 96 | 960 - 1000 |
Unit | Required pre-requisite/s |
MEM16006 | MEM13015 |
MEM11011, MEM14006, MEM16008, MEM12024, MEM12023, MEM17003 | MEM13015, MEM16006 |
MEM18001, MEM18002, MEM05012, MEM05050, MEM11010 | MEM13015, MEM16006, MEM11011 |
MEM05005, MEM18013 | MEM13015, MEM16006, MEM11011, MEM12023, MEM18001 |
MEM09002 | MEM13015, MEM16006, MEM11011, MEM12023 |
MEM05007 | MEM13015, MEM16006, MEM11011, MEM12023, MEM09002 |
MEM18055 | MEM13015, MEM16006, MEM11011, MEM12023, MEM18001, MEM09002, MEM18002 |
MEM18003 | MEM13015, MEM16006, MEM11011, MEM12023, MEM12023, MEM18001, MEM18002 |
MEM18006 | MEM13015, MEM16006, MEM11011, MEM12023, MEM18001, MEM09002, MEM18002, MEM18003, MEM18055 |
MEM12006 | MEM13015, MEM16006, MEM11011, MEM12023, MEM09002, MEM12024 |
MEM18008 | MEM09002, MEM11011, MEM12023, MEM12024, MEM13015, MEM14006, MEM16006, MEM18001, MEM18002, MEM18003, MEM18006, MEM18055 |
MEM07005, MEM18005, MEM18007, MEM18009, MEM18020 | MEM09002, MEM11011, MEM12023, MEM12024, MEM13015, MEM14006, MEM16006, MEM18001 |
MEM07006, MEM07007 | MEM07005, MEM09002, MEM11011, MEM12023, MEM12024, MEM13015, MEM14006, MEM16006, MEM18001 |
MEM07021 | MEM07005, MEM07006, MEM09002, MEM11011, MEM12003, MEM12023, MEM12024, MEM13015, MEM14006, MEM16006, MEM18001 |
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To gain entry into MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade, candidates require:
- To be an Apprentice who has entered into a Training Contract with their employer and Australian Apprenticeship Support Network NT
To ensure you have the right skills and support to succeed in your course, a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LL&N) evaluation helps identify any areas where you may need additional support to help you achieve your goals.
All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.
Yron
CDU student

All of my lecturers were top notch former tradies with a solid grasp of what they were teaching. Whatever my issue was, they were always there for me. It was great.
Yron
CDU student

Course details
Accreditation
This is a current, nationally accredited qualification from the MEM Manufacturing and Engineering Training Package.
Employability skills
Employability Skills are embedded in the training and assessment of national training package qualifications. Information on the Employability Skills relevant to your qualification can be obtained by visiting this website and keying in the national code for the qualification: training.gov.au
Location and study mode
Delivery at all locations is subject to sufficient demand and resources.
Locations: Casuarina
Study Mode: On campus, workplace assessment
Subject to demand other locations and modes may become available throughout the year.
Additional information
Contact details
VET Engineering and Construction |
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
You make CDU
Together we are a positive force for change in our communities and the world.
You make CDU
Our students choose to study with us because we share the same vision – to make a positive change. Whatever your motivation is, we can guide you in the right direction.
How to apply
How to apply for domestic students
CDU TAFE has several pathways for you to apply.
Visit How to apply for CDU TAFE courses for more information.
Admission requirements for domestic students
Before applying, you may want to check if you meet the admission requirements for studying with CDU.
CDU has many pathways to study, so don't worry if you don't meet the admission requirements right now. There is a study pathway to get you started on your journey.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
How to apply for international students
Applications to CDU must be submitted online.
The process is simple, all you need is a valid email address to create your online account.
Once you have started the application you will have the option of saving your application and resuming it at a later date.
There is no application fee when you apply online.
Find a CDU agent partner
Applicants may seek further information about international education in Australia from the Australian Government Department of Education and Training or from our overseas / external representatives.
To help with the process, we've compile a list of authorised representatives.
Not sure if you are a domestic or international student?
That's OK - it can be a little tricky to know the difference.
To help you out, we've put together a guide to answer any questions you might have.
Things like the difference between domestic and international students or the difference between course types like TAFE and undergraduate.
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