How to become an Engineering Tradesperson - Mechanical
Mechanical engineering tradespersons carry out a range of mechanical work on machines, subassemblies and manufactured parts using a range of processes, tools and machines. Recent changes in the industry have resulted in a number of trade jobs being merged into broad occupational areas. The new training structure provides a mix of skills across a number of traditional occupations, while also allowing apprentices to develop specific skills.
Personal requirements for an Engineering Tradesperson - Mechanical
- Enjoy technical work
- Able to cope with the physical demands of the job
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Able to work independently or as part of a team
- Practical ability
- Attention to detail
- Normal hearing
Education & Training for an Engineering Tradesperson - Mechanical
To become a mechanical engineering tradesperson you usually have to complete an apprenticeship. Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.
Additional information
To use or be in possession of 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. Contact the police department in your state or territory for further information.
Duties & Tasks of an Engineering Tradesperson - Mechanical
Mechanical engineering tradespeople:
- Examine detailed drawings or specifications to determine 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 subassemblies, including welding or brazing 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 subassemblies.
Tasks
- Conducts routine pre-flight inspections of engines, aircraft frames and mechanical systems.
- Replaces and tests aircraft oxygen system components.
- Maintains records of action taken.
- Dismantles, inspects, tests, repairs and reassembles aircraft engines, ancillary motors and engine accessories, electrical systems and sub-assemblies of aircraft frames.
- May manufacture aircraft electrical, instrument and radio hardware components.
- Assembles parts and sub-assemblies of aircraft frames.
- Installs electrical circuits and equipment.
- Tests aircraft communication equipment, aircraft instrumentation and electronic systems using electronic testing equipment and specialised apparatus.
Working conditions for an Engineering Tradesperson - Mechanical
Mechanical engineering tradespeople usually work in workshops or production areas that can be noisy, hot and dusty. They may spend most of their day standing and often need to bend, crouch or climb.They must be aware of safety regulations and wear protective equipment (earmuffs, for example) to maintain personal safety in the workplace.
Employment Opportunities for an Engineering Tradesperson - Mechanical
Mechanical engineering tradespeople are employed by engineering workshops, manufacturing firms, mining and mineral processing companies, the oil and gas industry and utilities, and government organisations and municipal authorities. Fitters and gunsmiths may have self-employment opportunities. Demand is affected by levels of activity in the manufacturing, mining, transport, construction, electricity, gas and water sectors, as well as advances in technology. With experience and further study, competent tradespeople can upgrade their qualifications to the technician, associate, technologist or engineer level.
Specializations
Fitter
A fitter fits and assembles parts and subassemblies made from metal and other materials to maintain and repair production machinery and other equipment. The work of fitters can be divided into three main areas: marking out work to be done, assembling and installing machines, and maintaining and repairing them.
Gunsmith
A gunsmith alters, services and repairs rifles, revolvers and other firearms. Gunsmiths need good background training in fitting, turning and welding. Knowledge of woodwork and different types of steel is useful for producing, fitting and polishing various parts.
Metal Machinist
A metal machinist sets up and operates tools to cut, shape and form metal stock and castings to exact sizes, using detailed drawings, computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems and specifications. They machine metal components from simple to complex forms. Metal machinists construct machines and equipment that are used to produce goods such as food, clothes, steel products and cars.
Toolmaker
A toolmaker 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.
Engineering Tradesperson - Mechanical
Mechanical engineering tradespersons carry out a range of mechanical work on machines, subassemblies and manufactured parts using a range of processes, tools and machines. Recent changes in the industry have resulted in a number of trade jobs being merged into broad occupational areas. The new training structure provides a mix of skills across a number of traditional occupations, while also allowing apprentices to develop specific skills.
Fitter
A fitter fits and assembles parts and subassemblies made from metal and other materials to maintain and repair production machinery and other equipment. The work of fitters can be divided into three main areas: marking out work to be done, assembling and installing machines, and maintaining and repairing them.
Gunsmith
A gunsmith alters, services and repairs rifles, revolvers and other firearms. Gunsmiths need good background training in fitting, turning and welding. Knowledge of woodwork and different types of steel is useful for producing, fitting and polishing various parts.
Metal Machinist
A metal machinist sets up and operates tools to cut, shape and form metal stock and castings to exact sizes, using detailed drawings, computer-aided drafting (CAD) systems and specifications. They machine metal components from simple to complex forms. Metal machinists construct machines and equipment that are used to produce goods such as food, clothes, steel products and cars.
Toolmaker
A toolmaker 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.
Average age
38
Future Growth
Positive
Gender Share
3% female
Average full-time
50 hours
Weekly Pay
$2,243
Skill level rating
Medium skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
95%
Employment Size
117,500
Employment by state
ACT: 0.8%
NSW: 46.4%
NT: 6.7%
QLD: 28.7%
SA: 9.6%
TAS: 0.0%
VIC: 5.3%
WA: 2.5%
Age brackets
15-19: 1.8%
20-24: 14.9%
25-34: 38.8%
35-44: 21%
45-54: 15.6%
55-59: 4.4%
60-64: 2.3%
65 and Over: 1.2%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 14.2%
Bachelor degree: 4.6%
Certificate III/IV: 68.9%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 0.8%
Year 10 and below: 1.2%
Year 11: 0.8%
Year 12: 9.5%
