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Metal Fabrication, Welding & Fitting Courses in Australia
Reviewed by Mohammad Saghir Khan, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 1170510)Last reviewed:
Welders and metal fabricators train through the Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade, which is now MEM31925 (it replaced MEM31922 on 4 September 2025). Fitters train through the Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (MEM30219). Metal Fabricator 322311, Welder (First Class) 322313 and Fitter (General) 323211 are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List. Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) assesses them. These qualifications are designed for apprentices, so check that a CRICOS provider can deliver one to you before you enrol.
Metal Fabrication & Welding Courses at a Glance
| Qualifications | MEM31925 Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (replaces MEM31922); MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade; MEM40119 Certificate IV in Engineering; MEM50222 Diploma of Engineering - Technical |
|---|---|
| Skills assessment | Trades Recognition Australia (TRA) |
| Graduate pathway | Australian CRICOS graduates: TRA Provisional Skills Assessment, then the 485 visa and the Job Ready Program |
| Delivery note | The trade qualifications must be done through a training contract or formal trade recognition, so few providers offer them to international students |
| Example occupations | Metal Fabricator 322311, Welder (First Class) 322313, Fitter (General) 323211, Fitter-Welder 323213 |
Course Options by Study Level
| Qualification | Level | Typical length | What it leads to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (MEM31925) | AQF 3 (VET) | Check the CRICOS duration | Metal Fabricator and Welder roles. Streams include boilermaking/welding, welding and sheetmetal working |
| Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (MEM30219) | AQF 3 (VET) | Check the CRICOS duration | Fitter (General), Fitter and Turner and machinist roles |
| Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119) | AQF 4 (VET) | About 1 year | Higher engineering tradesperson work, including welding and heavy fabrication |
| Diploma of Engineering - Technical (MEM50222) | AQF 5 (VET) | 1 to 2 years | Technical and drafting roles in manufacturing and engineering |
Current Course Codes
On 4 September 2025 the Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade MEM31922 was replaced by MEM31925, which is mapped as equivalent. Its streams include boilermaking, boilermaking/welding, welding, sheetmetal working, blacksmithing and surface finishing. The Mechanical Trade qualification for fitters is still MEM30219. TRA's list of qualifications by occupation (current from 3 December 2025) still names MEM31922 for Metal Fabricator, so check with TRA if your course delivers the new code.
Apprenticeship-Based Qualifications
Both trade qualifications state that they must be done through a training contract (an apprenticeship) or through formal trade recognition. Many TAFEs offer them only to apprentices. A small number of private colleges have registered MEM31925 on CRICOS for international students. Before you enrol, check the course on CRICOS, ask how the workshop training and assessment are organised, and confirm the qualification will support a TRA assessment in your occupation.
Skills Assessment and the 485 Visa
Metal Fabricator, Pressure Welder, Welder (First Class), Fitter (General), Fitter and Turner and Fitter-Welder are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List, so they can be used for the 485 visa Post-Vocational Education Work stream. Recent CRICOS graduates first get a TRA Provisional Skills Assessment. Units granted through recognition of prior learning are not accepted. On the 485 visa, most then complete the Job Ready Program: at least 12 months of full-time paid work in the trade with a TRA-approved employer, a workplace assessment and a final assessment.
Careers and Skilled Occupation Lists
These occupations are linked to metal fabrication, welding and fitting courses. List status is from our Occupation Finder data, checked 15 October 2026.
| Occupation | ANZSCO | Skilled lists (15 Oct 2026) | Skills assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metal Fabricator | 322311 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
| Welder (First Class) | 322313 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
| Pressure Welder | 322312 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
| Fitter (General) | 323211 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
| Fitter and Turner | 323212 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
| Fitter-Welder | 323213 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
| Metal Machinist (First Class) | 323214 | MLTSSL, CSOL | TRA |
Lists: MLTSSL (Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List), STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List), ROL (Regional Occupation List), CSOL (Core Skills Occupation List for the 482 and 186 visas). Check any occupation in our Occupation Finder.
How to Start
- Choose your course and levelTell us your previous study, English results, budget and career goal. We shortlist courses and providers that fit.
- Confirm the provider can deliver the trade qualificationMEM31925 and MEM30219 are apprenticeship-based. Check the course is on CRICOS for international students, how workshop training is delivered, and that it supports a TRA assessment.
- Check the provider on CRICOSInternational students must study a course registered on CRICOS. The CRICOS duration also matters for the 485 visa, which needs at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of study in Australia over at least 16 months.
- Apply and accept your offerApply with your documents, accept the offer, pay the deposit and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover. The provider then issues your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE).
- Apply for your Student visaLodge your Student visa (subclass 500) with evidence of funds, English and the Genuine Student requirement. Since 2 October 2026 most applicants must apply from outside Australia. See our Student visa guide.
How Aussie ASEAN Can Help
We check which providers can actually deliver fabrication and fitting trade qualifications to international students, compare their workshops and course length, help with your Student visa, and our Registered Migration Agent can plan your TRA assessment and 485 visa.
Free tools for students
Related courses and visas
Not sure which metal fabrication and welding course or provider suits your goals? Get free course advice, plus Student visa help from a Registered Migration Agent.
Get course adviceSources: MEM31925 on training.gov.au · MEM30219 on training.gov.au · MEM40119 on training.gov.au · TRA Provisional Skills Assessment · TRA occupations assessed · Home Affairs: 485 Post-Vocational Education Work stream
Frequently Asked Questions
Plain-English answers to the questions we are asked most often.
Is welding on the skilled occupation list?
Yes. Welder (First Class) 322313, Pressure Welder 322312 and Metal Fabricator 322311 are on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List and the Core Skills Occupation List as at 15 October 2026.
What replaced MEM31922?
MEM31925 Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade replaced MEM31922 on 4 September 2025. The two are mapped as equivalent.
Can international students study the Fabrication Trade qualification?
Sometimes. The qualification is designed for apprentices and must be done through a training contract or formal trade recognition, but a few private colleges have registered it on CRICOS. Check the provider carefully.
What course do fitters study?
Fitters usually complete the Certificate III in Engineering - Mechanical Trade (MEM30219), which has fitting, fitting/machining and machining streams.
Who assesses welders and fabricators for migration?
Trades Recognition Australia (TRA). Australian CRICOS graduates usually complete a Provisional Skills Assessment, then the Job Ready Program on the 485 visa.
Can I get a 485 visa after a welding course?
Possibly, through the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, because these occupations are on the Medium and Long-term list. You also need a TRA Provisional Skills Assessment and at least 2 academic years (92 weeks) of CRICOS study in Australia.
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