Accepting Applications

Nationally Recognised RPL Pathway

Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade

MEM31925

Your extensive experience in metal fabrication and sheetmetal work deserves formal trade recognition. We help you translate your technical expertise into a nationally recognised qualification through a streamlined evidence-based process. Take the first step towards your trade certificate today by starting a free skills review.

Free Skills Review
★★★★★5.0 · Based on 61 reviews across all qualifications

About This Qualification

This qualification defines the skills and knowledge required of an Engineering Tradesperson - Fabrication within metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries. The qualification has been specifically developed to meet the needs of apprentices in the above trade.This qualification must be undertaken through a Training Contract or through formal trade recognition assessment processes.The skills associated with this qualification are intended to apply to a wide range of fabrication work, including undertaking metal fabrication, structural steel erection, sheetmetal work, welding, blacksmithing and surface finishing.This qualification is designed to provide an industry recognised skills profile related to trade work as an Engineering Tradesperson - Fabrication.Assessment of some units of competency must, where indicated, include evidence of the candidate’s 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.In some jurisdictions, units in this qualification may relate to licensing or regulatory requirements. Licensing and regulatory information is included in the relevant units of competency. Local regulations should be checked.

Qualification Code

MEM31925

Training Package

MEM — Manufacturing and Engineering

AQF Level

Certificate III

Total Units

See training.gov.au

Entry Requirements

No

RPL It Status: Available

Important: RPL It Australia is a student support service. All assessment and qualification issuance is conducted by our partner Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). RPL It does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Career Outcomes

According to training.gov.au, this qualification supports the following roles:

RoleResponsibilities
Sheetmetal WorkerFabricating and repairing metal products like ducting and lightweight structures using thermal cutting and welding.
BoilermakerManufacturing heavy-duty storage tanks and pressure vessels from heavy gauge metals to withstand intense pressure.
Metal FabricatorOverseeing production and advanced welding tasks within automotive or industrial manufacturing environments.
WelderSpecialising in the joining and finishing of various metals including stainless steel, aluminium, and copper.

Delivering Registered Training Organisations

All assessment and qualification issuance for this qualification is carried out by one of the following partner RTOs, each of which holds MEM31925 on their scope of registration with ASQA:

Which RTO will deliver my qualification? The delivering RTO will be confirmed during your skills review and prior to enrolment. Your qualification will be issued directly by the delivering RTO and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Fees

Final pricing will be confirmed before enrolment.

You will receive a detailed, personalised quote — including the total fee, payment terms, interest-free payment plan options, and the name of the delivering RTO — before you are asked to enrol or make any payment.

Refund policy:If RPL It is unable to process your application, you will receive a full refund of any fees paid to RPL It. Once your portfolio has been submitted to the RTO for assessment, the RTO's refund policy applies. Details will be provided before enrolment.

Indicative Timeframes

✓ What we control

  • • Guiding you through evidence gathering
  • • Submitting a complete portfolio to the RTO
  • • Following up on your behalf

⏳ What we don't control

  • • The RTO's assessment workload
  • • The assessor's evaluation timeline
  • • The qualification issuance process

Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. Individual timeframes vary based on qualification complexity, evidence completeness, and RTO capacity.

Roles & Responsibilities

RPL It AustraliaDelivering RTO
RoleStudent support serviceRegistered Training Organisation
Initial skills review
Evidence gathering guidance
Formal assessment✅ Qualified assessors
Assessment judgement✅ Made by the RTO
Gap trainingAvailable if required (delivered by RTO)
Qualification issuance✅ Issued by the RTO
Complaints & appealsOwn complaints process✅ RTO process applies to assessments

RPL It Australia Pty Ltd (ABN 55 689 826 917) is not an RTO and does not deliver training, conduct assessments, or issue qualifications.

Ready to get recognised?

Start with a free skills review to see if your experience aligns with this qualification.

Free Skills Review

Receive a free preliminary review of your experience

Dedicated consultant guides you through every step

Nationally recognised qualification issued by our partner RTO

★★★★★

5.0 across all qualifications

Could RPL Be Right for You?

Experience can be evidence.

RPL is the process that helps you demonstrate it.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a formal assessment process that evaluates the skills, knowledge, and experience you've gained through your career to determine whether you meet the requirements of a nationally recognised qualification. It isn't a shortcut — it applies the same assessment standards as any other pathway.

RPL typically involves:

📋

A review of your work experience against the qualification requirements

💼

Compilation of an evidence portfolio demonstrating your competency

👤

Assessment by a qualified assessor from a Registered Training Organisation

🎯

If gaps are identified, targeted training to build on your existing expertise

ℹ️ Important Pathway Advice

RPL isn't the right pathway for everyone. If you don't have substantial, relevant, and current industry experience, a traditional study pathway may serve you better.

Our approach:

“We'd rather guide you to the right pathway than enrol you in the wrong one.”

What Kind of Experience Counts?

If RPL becomes available for this qualification, the types of experience and evidence that would typically be relevant include:

🏗️

Work History & Roles

  • A comprehensive resume detailing your years in fabrication
  • Position descriptions from engineering or manufacturing firms
  • Letters of service from previous employers
📐

Technical Documentation

  • Interpreted technical drawings and specifications
  • Records of engineering measurements and computations
  • Work activity plans and production schedules
🛡️

Safety & Compliance

  • JSA and SWMS records from the workshop
  • Manual handling and manufacturing safety logs
  • Environmental sustainability practice records
🔥

Project Evidence

  • Photos of fabricated structures, tanks, or components
  • Welding logs and quality control checklists
  • Video evidence of tool and machinery operation

Not sure if you qualify?

Speak with our team for a free eligibility discussion.

Talk to us

This is general guidance based on training.gov.au. Specific requirements will be confirmed by the delivering RTO's assessor when RPL becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this qualification and RPL.

How do I get started with RPL for this qualification?
The process begins with a free skills review where we assess your fabrication experience against the qualification standards. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will compile a portfolio of evidence, such as work samples and references, which is then submitted to our partner RTO for formal assessment.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one from full-time study?
Yes, a qualification obtained through Recognition of Prior Learning is identical to one earned through traditional classroom study. It is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and carries the same weight with employers and industry bodies.
How long does the process typically take?
Most candidates complete the RPL process within 4 to 6 weeks once their full portfolio of evidence has been submitted to the RTO. The timeline depends largely on how quickly you can gather documentation of your fabrication skills and work history.
What kind of evidence do I need to provide for fabrication trade recognition?
Evidence typically includes photos or videos of your work, site project logs, employment contracts, and third-party testimonials from qualified supervisors. You will need to demonstrate proficiency in areas such as welding, thermal cutting, and technical drawing interpretation.
Can I apply if I have worked primarily as a Sheetmetal Worker?
Yes, the Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade is specifically designed for various fabrication specialisations, including sheetmetal work. Your specific experience in cutting, shaping, and joining metal products is directly applicable to the units of competency in this qualification.
Do I need to attend a TAFE or campus for assessment?
No, the RPL process is designed to be completed while you continue working. It focuses on your existing skills and knowledge, meaning you do not need to attend regular classes or sit traditional exams if you can provide sufficient evidence of your competency.
Is an RPL qualification the same as one obtained through full-time study?
Yes. RPL is a legitimate form of assessment within the Australian VET system. The qualification issued is identical to one obtained through any other mode of delivery and is nationally recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework.
Who assesses my evidence?
Your evidence is assessed by a qualified assessor employed or contracted by the delivering Registered Training Organisation (RTO) — not by RPL It. The assessor holds the credentials required under the 2025 Standards for RTOs and has current industry experience.
What if gaps are identified in my skills?
If the assessor identifies areas where your evidence does not fully demonstrate competency, the RTO can provide gap training. The RTO will discuss any associated requirements or costs with you if this becomes necessary. Gap training is targeted to the specific areas identified and is designed to help you meet the full requirements of the qualification.
What if I don’t have enough experience for RPL?
If the initial skills review indicates that RPL is not suitable for you at this time, we’ll let you know honestly and discuss alternative options. We would rather direct you to the right pathway than enrol you in a process that won’t lead to a successful outcome.
How long does the RPL process take?
Based on our experience, the majority of RPL candidates receive their qualification within 4–6 weeks of their complete evidence portfolio being submitted to the RTO. However, this is an average based on past outcomes — not a guarantee. Factors include qualification complexity, evidence completeness, whether gap training is required, and the RTO’s current assessment capacity.
Can I do this from outside Australia?
This depends on the specific qualification. Many qualifications are based on Australian codes, standards, and legislation, and some require access to an Australian workplace for assessment. If you are based outside Australia, please contact us to discuss whether RPL is feasible for your circumstances.

Start Your Free Skills Review

Tell us about your background and we'll provide a free preliminary review of your experience against the Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade.

Free Skills Review

Receive a professional review of your experience against MEM31925.

Preliminary Review

Receive free guidance on whether RPL could suit your career background.

No Commitments

The skills review is obligation-free and takes less than 2 minutes.

Start your free skills review

This qualification is available now. Continue to the free skills review and we'll pre-select MEM31925 so you can move straight into the application.

Start My Free Skills Review

No commitment. We'll provide an honest review of your experience.

Ready to Get Recognised?

Start your free skills review for MEM31925 today.

Free Skills Review