Course Summary
Wondering what a career in metal fabrication, welding, or mechanical trades really looks like? This Career Taster gives you hands‑on experience with real workshop tools, materials and machining processes so you can explore whether a pathway in engineering trades is right for you. Across this engaging multi‑day program, you’ll learn how metal components are shaped, joined and assembled in industry settings. You’ll experience fundamental machining techniques, practice safe workshop procedures, and build confidence using tools and equipment under the supervision of trades instructors.
Requirements - To Be Eligible
For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.
Entry RequirementsEnrolment in this course is subject to meeting the funding eligibility criteria for Career Tasters. Please see the Fees and Scholarships tab for more information.
During your study at CQUniversity
To take part in this Career Taster, students must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while in workshops and training areas. PPE is required to help keep students safe in practical learning environments.
Students are to wear:
- Closed-in safety boots with reinforced toe cap (Approved to AS/NZS 2210.3:2019)
- Long-sleeved cotton drill/twill shirt
- Long cotton drill or denim work pants
Important information
- PPE must be worn at all times when directed by CQUniversity staff.
- Students who do not wear the required PPE will not be able to participate in practical activities
Course Details
| Course Type | Short Course (Non-accredited) |
|---|---|
| Student Availability |
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| Fees | For detailed information on Course Fees, visit www.cqu.edu.au/fees |
| Application Mode |
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| How to Apply | Please Enquire |
| Study Area |
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| Skill Area |
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Admission Codes
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Domestic Students Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes |
Not Applicable |
|---|---|
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International Students CRICOS Codes |
Not Applicable |
Student Outcomes, Career Opportunities and Occupations
The program provides exposure to workshop environments and supports students in identifying potential interests in manufacturing and engineering trades. Students will build hands-on experience in mechanical assembly and metal fabrication, learning to use precision tools and welding techniques in a workshop setting. These foundational skills are essential in trades such as mechanical fitting, boilermaking, and metal fabrication, but their applications reach far beyond traditional manufacturing, supporting both industrial and other creative career pursuits. Students will be introduced to spatial reasoning, attention to detail, and craftsmanship. Skills that are valued in engineering, design, and even automotive restoration. This taster encourages students to explore how mechanical and creative thinking can intersect, opening doors to a wide range of future opportunities.
Study Mode Definitions
- Online: Online courses provide the flexibility to study without normally requiring a student to visit a campus. Course content is studied through a number of means including the use of online discussion forums, electronic library resources, by contacting lecturers and teachers, and receiving study materials online/electronically. Work integrated learning, including placements, may be included in some courses.
- On-campus: Students studying in on-campus mode typically are expected to attend and participate in regular, structured on-campus teaching and learning activities throughout the University’s academic term. These activities may include lectures, tutorials, workshops and practice, online or other activities and normally will be timetabled at a CQUniversity campus or approved delivery site.
- Mixed Mode: Students studying in mixed mode will participate in a combination of online learning activities in addition to site-specific learning activities, which may include residential schools, co-op placements and/or work-integrated learning as a compulsory requirement of a unit. The additional site-specific learning activities are what differentiates a mixed-mode unit from an online unit.
*All study modes may include Vocational placement and/or work integrated learning.
Select a course structure below to view the delivery details, including the different study modes offered for each structure.
This non-accredited Career Taster program is delivered face-to-face over five consecutive days at your enrolled CQUniversity campus.
Students will participate in hands-on engaging practical learning experiences and projects exploring concepts and practical skills used across industrial fabrication and mechanical environments. Students will take part in supervised, practical learning experiences that introduce them to core concepts, safety expectations and foundational skills used across engineering trade environments. Throughout the program, students will engage in a variety of hands‑on activities that reflect real‑world workshop practices, including working with tools and materials, following technical instructions, exploring mechanical processes, and developing an understanding of how engineered components are created, assembled and maintained.
- On-campus
| Units | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NUCRT280A | WHS and Introduction to Machining and Fabrication Fundamentals | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| NUCRT280B | Machining & Mechanical Assembly | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
| NUCRT280C | Welding & Fabrication Skills | More Information | Training.gov Details | |
Unit Sequence
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| NUCRT280A | WHS and Introduction to Machining and Fabrication Fundamentals |
| NUCRT280B | Machining & Mechanical Assembly |
| NUCRT280C | Welding & Fabrication Skills |
Students will gain exposure to core skills across the machining and fabrication trades, helping them understand workplace expectations, industry environments and the types of tasks involved in real engineering roles. This taster provides insight into potential pathways such as engineering trades assistant, boilermaker, fitter and turner, welder, mechanical maintenance support roles. The practical learning experiences help students make informed decisions about future vocational study, apprenticeships or further exploration in mechanical and fabrication trades.
Upon completion of this non-accredited course students will receive a Statement of Participation acknowledging their engagement and the skill areas covered.