Version Effective: 1st of January, 2026
Version Effective: 1st of January, 2026

NACC180280 - Career Taster: Machining and Fabrication Fundamentals

Course Details

Course Summary

This engineering-focused taster gives students a real-world introduction to mechanical and fabrication trades. Students will reassemble gearboxes, practice MIG welding, and fabricate metal items using technical drawings and hand tools. They'll also explore logistics and hazard assessment, linking engineering skills to broader industrial applications. This experience develops technical precision, problem-solving, and teamwork, while showcasing career pathways in engineering, metal fabrication, and industrial logistics. 

Requirements - To Be Eligible

For your application to be considered, you must meet the following entry requirements.

Entry Requirements

To be eligible to participate in Career Tasters you must: 

  • Be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent resident (including humanitarian entrants), or a temporary resident with an eligible visa subclass 
  • Live in Queensland and be enrolled with a secondary education provider* 
  • Be actively completing Year 10 at the time of participation 

Course Details

Course Type Short Course (Non-accredited)
Student Availability
  • Domestic
Fees For detailed information on Course Fees, visit www.cqu.edu.au/fees
Application Mode
  • Direct To University
How to Apply Please Enquire
Study Area
  • Apprenticeships, Trades & Training
Skill Area
  • Engineering

Admission Codes

Domestic Students
Tertiary Admission Centre Codes (TAC) Codes 		Not Applicable
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.  

Course Structures

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.

Career Taster

5 days

  • 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

For the following units, you may choose your own order of study, while taking into account pre-requisite requirements and the unit availability.
Unit Code Unit Name
NUCRT280A WHS and Introduction to Machining and Fabrication Fundamentals
NUCRT280B Machining & Mechanical Assembly
NUCRT280C Welding & Fabrication Skills

Course Learning Outcomes

Participants will be introduced to core engineering trade practices including metal fabrication, machining, and mechanical assembly. Students will engage in activities such as MIG welding, gearbox reassembly, and interpreting technical drawings. This training will assist students in understanding the tools, techniques, and safety procedures used in industrial fabrication and mechanical environments. Students will receive a Statement of Participation upon completion of this Career Taster. 

Where and when can I start?
Please view the more details information for any additional information related to this course.

There are currently no intakes for this course.
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