RPL Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade

Last Updated on April 23, 2025 by Ozlinks Education

If you have been employed as a fitter or metal machinist in the manufacturing industry but have not yet attained your qualification for any reason, you’ve come to the right place. The RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) program is a way to convert your skills and work experience into a formal Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade from one of our Registered Training Organisation partners.

Let’s get your skills certified!

Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Overview

The MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade is tailored for individuals aiming to pursue a career in the mechanical engineering sector in Australia. Fitters and metal machinists are responsible for fitting and assembling fabricated metal parts into products, setting up machining tools, production machines, and textile machines, as well as operating machining tools and machines to shape metal stock and castings. It is recommended to consider obtaining this certificate, as it represents one of the essential trade qualifications required for roles as a fitter or metal machinist in the manufacturing and mining industries.

Job title: 

  • Fitter
  • Fitter and Turner
  • Fitter-Welder
  • Metal Machinist

CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY

Find out if you qualify for this certificate

Why do I need the Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical?

If you have been working as a fitter or metal machinist in the manufacturing and construction mining industry but have not yet obtained your qualification for any reason, pursuing an RPL program for this certification will greatly enhance your opportunities within the manufacturing and mining sectors. It will also provide you with the essential credentials required to become a qualified technician, thereby boosting your confidence and credibility with both clients and employers.

International students and migrants may need this certificate for their migration skills assessment if they plan to apply for a skilled visa as fitter or metal machinist. This certificate serves as evidence of their qualifications and experience in the field, ensuring they meet the necessary standards established by the relevant assessing authorities.

Ozlinks Education can assist you in transforming your skills and work experience into a formal Certificate III in Engineering Mechanical Trade through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program with one of our Registered Training Organisation partners. Our expert team will assess your individual circumstances and provide tailored support to ensure that you achieve the qualifications necessary to advance your career.

Skills assessment for migration

rpl certificate iii in engineering mechanical
rpl certificate iii in engineering mechanical

What does a metal machinist do?

A metal machinist fit and assemble fabricated metal parts into products, set up machining tools, production machines and textile machines, and operate machining tools and machines to shape metal stock and castings.

Their job involves:

  • Studying drawings and specifications to determine suitable material, method and sequence of operations, and machine settings
  • Fitting fabricated metal parts into products and assembling metal parts and subassemblies to produce machines and equipment
  • Checking fabricated and assembled metal parts for accuracy, clearance and fit using precision measuring instruments
  • Setting guides, stops and other controls on machining tools, setting up prescribed cutting and shaping tools and dies in machines and presses, and setting controls for textile machines
  • Forming metal stock and castings to fine tolerances using machining tools to press, cut, grind, plane, bore and drill metal
  • Cutting, threading, bending and installing hydraulic and pneumatic pipes and lines
  • Preparing pattern mechanisms to control the operation of textile machines used to spin, weave, knit, sew and tuft fabric
  • Diagnosing faults and performing operational maintenance of machines, and overhauling and repairing mechanical parts and fluid power equipment
  • May erect machines and equipment on-site

Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication

What is Recognition of Prior Learning?

The Australian Qualification Framework (AQF), which is governed by the Australian Government’s Department of Education in consultation with the states and territories, gives all students the right to have their prior education, relevant work experience, and training acknowledged to facilitate their advancement towards and between qualifications. Every registered training organisation (RTO) has its own policies and procedures for determining your RPL eligibility, but the fundamentals are the same. The experience and skills you’ve gained through your work can help you complete a qualification faster and reduce the time commitment of taking a course to get you closer to your dream job.

The advantages of using RPL program

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) program offer numerous benefits, including time and cost savings by validating existing skills and experience, expedited qualification achievement, and improved employment prospects. RPL program helps you:

  • There is no need to relearn what you already know.
  • It saves both your time and tuition fees.
  • Assist you in achieving your career change objectives in Australia.
  • Gaining an Australian qualification requires less time.
  • You do not need to attend classes or redo the training you have already completed.
  • Open new career opportunities in the building industry.
  • Obtain a qualification to satisfy the visa or skills assessment requirements.

Evidence requirements

Below is the general list of documents that you are required to provide to support your RPL assessment application:

  • 100 points of identification documents (ID)
  • A current resume outlines your relevant employment history
  • Student USI number
  • Employment evidence, including an employment reference letter, employment contract, payslips, income statement, and superannuation.
  • Workplace photos and videos that showcase you performing your tasks in accordance with the job duties outlined above demonstrate your competency in the relevant qualification.

Note: Additional gap training may be necessary to address any areas for improvement and to ensure a positive assessment outcome. An RTO assessor might conduct a competency interview with you to identify any existing training gaps.

General Skilled Migration

The RPL process is done in 3 simple steps.

The RPL process consists of three stages and typically takes between six and eight weeks to complete from the time an applicant applies to an RPL assessment institute. During this period, applicants gather evidence of their skills and experiences, which is then evaluated against the relevant qualifications. This thorough process ensures that the recognition of prior learning accurately reflects the applicant's capabilities and knowledge.

Register / Enrolment

Step 1: During the enrolment stage, you will have to demonstrate your skill level in relation to your chosen qualification by completing a self-assessment related to the required skills and knowledge to determine the relevance of the RPL pathway.

Assessment/ Evidence Review

Step 2: The RPL assessor will give you tests in the subjects of your applied qualification to find out what skills you have and match them to the skills needed to work in the industry and for the qualification you have chosen.

You will need to provide proof of the necessary documents, photos, and videos to show that you know how each subject in your qualification.

Result

Step 3: If you meet all units of competency under the qualification, you will be issued with a Certificate and Statement of Results.

Register / Enrolment

Step 1: During the enrolment stage, you will have to demonstrate your skill level in relation to your chosen qualification by completing a self-assessment related to the required skills and knowledge to determine the relevance of the RPL pathway.

Assessment/ Evidence Review

Step 2: The RPL assessor will give you tests in the subjects of your applied qualification to find out what skills you have and match them to the skills needed to work in the industry and for the qualification you have chosen.

You will need to provide proof of the necessary documents, photos, and videos to show that you know how each subject in your qualification.

Result

Step 3: If you meet all units of competency under the qualification, you will be issued with a Certificate and Statement of Results.

What RPL qualification are you looking for?

To enhance your chances of securing a well-paying job in the Australian market, consider assessing your skills and work experience, as well as obtaining formal recognition of your qualifications. If you are a skilled welder, electrician, fabricator, or mechanical technician, you may be eligible to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Choose a qualification that best aligns with your needs and circumstances from the list provided below.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of questions that our customers often ask us. If you need more information, don't hesitate to contact Ozlinks Education now.

Why should you consider RPL?

The RPL is generally a faster way to an Australian qualification than completing a formal training course because it recognizes your previous work experience.

Yes. The RPL evaluation process is just as thorough as any other evaluation. But the evidence you need to show may be different from what is usually asked in a class assessment.

When the criteria for each of the subjects are met, a degree may be partially or fully accredited. For example, only completed subjects can be counted towards the qualification.

Even if your credits aren't enough to qualify, you can still receive written certification of the courses you've completed.

This will depend on the complexity of your qualification, how many subjects you apply for and how long it takes you to gather proof of work experience, collate and submit proof. Usually, the RPL process is 6 to 8 weeks from the date of application to the RPL assessment institute and also depends on your industry and qualifications.