Skilled trades like fabrication and mechanical engineering are at the heart of Australia’s booming industrial sector.
But for those who have years of experience on the job yet lack formal qualifications, it may feel like a career roadblock. This is where an apprenticeship can make a critical difference.
Not only do trade apprenticeships combine hands-on experience with theoretical knowledge, but they also offer pathways to nationally recognised qualifications like the MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade.
For those wanting to get ahead in their career while working in the field they love, apprenticeships are the perfect stepping stone.
This blog explores the top reasons to choose a fabrication or mechanical engineering apprenticeship and highlights how organisations like Gimbal Group can support you during this pathway.
What is a Fabrication or Mechanical Engineering Apprenticeship?
A fabrication or mechanical engineering apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines on-the-job experience with classroom learning.
It’s designed to equip you with advanced skills in areas like welding, machining, fabrication, or plant mechanics, so you can meet industry standards and customer expectations with confidence.
For workers with years of experience but no qualifications, apprenticeships make it possible to validate your skills, improve your employability, and gain a certified trade licence.
Benefits of Choosing an Apprenticeship
1. Practical Skills and Hands-On Experience
Learning by doing is one of the most effective ways to master a trade. Apprenticeships provide on-site training under the supervision of skilled tradespeople, where you gain expertise in using tools, following safety protocols, and completing real-world tasks.
Whether you’re working with advanced CNC machinery or fabricating custom steel components, this hands-on experience will serve as the foundation of your career.
2. Combining On-the-Job Training with Classroom Instruction
An apprenticeship strikes the perfect balance between theory and practice. You’ll not only learn the practical aspects of a trade but also the technical knowledge required to succeed.
Classroom instruction complements your on-site training by teaching subjects like engineering drawings, safety compliance, and material properties.
This dual approach ensures you graduate with both the skills and the knowledge needed to meet industry standards.
3. Earning While Learning
Who says you can’t learn and earn at the same time? Apprenticeships allow you to draw an income while completing your formal training.
This makes them an ideal choice for individuals who want to upgrade their qualifications without pausing their careers.
With programs like the MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade, you’re making an investment in your future while still maintaining financial stability.
Career Opportunities and Growth
Graduating from an apprenticeship opens up a wealth of opportunities. Here’s how apprenticeships can shape your career in fabrication or mechanical engineering:
1. Enhancing Job Security and Career Advancement
Qualified tradespeople are always in demand in Australia. Completing an apprenticeship boosts your employability, opening doors to higher-paying roles and more stable positions.
Whether you aspire to become a workshop supervisor or an independent contractor, an apprenticeship lays down the groundwork for growth.
2. Trade Licensing and Industry Standards
A trade licence provides more than just legal credentials; it’s a symbol of professionalism. It reassures employers and clients that you meet industry standards and have the expertise to handle complex tasks.
By gaining a qualification like the MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade, you’re meeting the regulatory standards for your profession while setting yourself apart from unlicensed competitors.
3. Validating Expertise with a Nationally Recognised Certificate
A nationally recognised qualification not only validates your skills but also makes you eligible for opportunities like skilled migration or advanced technical roles.
Whether you want to work in Australia or explore opportunities overseas, such a qualification is a critical asset.
Trade Recognition and Skill Assessment in Australia
For experienced professionals who haven’t yet gained formal qualifications, Gimbal Group is making it easier than ever to bridge the gap.
What Gimbal Group Offers
RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning): Already have years of experience under your belt? Gimbal Group offers a streamlined RPL process to assess your skills and convert them into a nationally recognised qualification like the MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering Fabrication Trade.
Filling Gaps in Knowledge: If your skills fall short in certain areas, Gimbal Group offers additional training to ensure that you meet all requirements.
How RPL Works
The process is simple and efficient, typically taking 3-6 months. From collecting workplace evidence to completing assessments, Gimbal ensures a hassle-free experience so you can focus on what matters most—your career.
Why Choose Gimbal Group for Your Apprenticeship?
When it comes to apprenticeship training, Gimbal Group is a trusted name in the industry. Here’s why so many Australians choose them for their trade qualifications and RPL needs.
1. Comprehensive Training Programs
Under Gimbal Construction (RTO ID 32201) and Gimbal Engineering (RTO ID 31820), you can access apprenticeship programs tailored to your trade. Their experienced trainers and assessors provide unmatched guidance, ensuring you gain both expertise and confidence.
2. Easy RPL Process
The RPL process at Gimbal is designed to be straightforward and supportive. With expert assessors guiding you through collecting evidence and addressing potential gaps, you can achieve your qualifications in the shortest time possible.
3. Advancing Your Career
Whether it’s through gaining a trade licence, a nationally recognised qualification, or skills for migration purposes, Gimbal opens up pathways for you to advance your career, even in complex fields like fabrication and mechanical engineering.
Make Your Next Career Move Today
Whether you’re an experienced professional looking to validate your skills or a hands-on learner just starting out, a fabrication or mechanical engineering apprenticeship is an invaluable pathway to success.
From gaining formal qualifications and industry recognition to advancing your career, the opportunities are limitless.
With the support of Gimbal Group, you can make this process seamless and rewarding. Explore apprenticeship programs or start your RPL process today to take your trade expertise to the next level.
