Fabrication Tradesperson

Craft Metal Structures with Precision and Skill.

As a Fabrication Tradesperson in manufacturing, you’ll be the skilled artisan behind the creation of metal structures and components that form the backbone of various industries. Your expertise in shaping, welding, and assembling metal will bring engineering designs to life, creating tangible products that stand as a testament to your craftsmanship and precision.

Fabrication Tradespeople are the cornerstone of manufacturing, transforming raw materials into intricate metal structures and components essential for diverse industries. They combine traditional metalworking skills with modern manufacturing techniques to produce everything from massive industrial equipment to precise mechanical parts. This role demands a unique blend of physical skill, technical knowledge, and creative problem-solving to turn engineering designs into reality.

In this dynamic field, you’ll be responsible for the entire fabrication process – from interpreting technical drawings to final assembly and quality control. Your work will involve operating a wide range of tools and machinery, from hand tools to sophisticated CNC equipment, ensuring that each piece meets exact specifications. As manufacturing technologies advance, you’ll continually adapt your skills, integrating new techniques and materials to improve efficiency and product quality. Your expertise will be crucial in maintaining the high standards of precision and durability required in modern manufacturing.

As a Fabrication Tradesperson you’ll ultimately be shaping metal to detailed specifications.

Your role may include duties as follows:

  1. Reading and interpreting drawings and specifications
  2. Metalworking including marking-up, cutting, shaping, bending, bolting and riveting
  3. Working with hand tools, metal cutters, cutting torches, lathes and welders etc.
  4. Quality testing to ensure the metal outcome reflects the requirements
  5. Material repair and maintenance for ensuring safety

Your work as a Fabrication Tradesperson can see you manufacture significantly scaled structures, through to fabricating precise fixtures – all of which will have an impact, as well as requiring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to safety procedures.

You can become a Fabrication Tradesperson through an apprenticeship. You may find it useful to undertake a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (MEM20422) while you are at school or before commencing an apprenticeship. This course will give you a good introduction to manufacturing concepts and equipment used.

Research potential employers in your area via a search engine, social media or job site. Even if there are no jobs advertised with the employer you’re interested in, it can be a good idea to send a cover letter with your resume expressing your interest.

Also Known As:
  • First Class Welder
  • Welder
  • Steel Fabricator
  • Boilermaker
  • Sheet Metal Worker
A Quick Look
Key Skills:

Skills which may benefit anyone considering a job as a fabrication tradesperson include:

  • Attention to detail
  • Manual dexterity
  • Problem solving
  • Tool operation skills
  • Welding
Values & Attributes:

Values and attributes of anyone considering a job as a fabrication tradesperson include:

  • Physical stamina
  • Craftsmanship
  • Precision
  • Communication
  • Team Player
  • Realistic – “Do-er”
Recommended School Subjects:
  • Engineering
  • Industrial Graphics Skills
Core School Subjects:
  • General Mathematics
  • Essential English
  • Engineering Skills

Salary Expectations

The expected salary for a Fabrication Tradesperson can vary across different areas of manufacturing and may vary as you become more experienced.

Low
$65,000
Median
$75,000
High
$85,000

An apprenticeship with a manufacturer is the best pathway to gain employment as a Fabrication Tradesperson. You can undertake the following qualifications as apprenticeships:

  • Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM31922)
  • Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking) (MEM31922)
  • Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Welding) (MEM31922)
  • Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Boilermaking/welding) (MEM31922)
  • Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (Sheetmetal working) (MEM31922)

As an apprentice you will combine work with formal training, allowing you to gain practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade while earning a salary.

Duration: Apprenticeships typically last up to 4 years for full-time participants. Part-time apprenticeships may take longer, depending on the individual’s work schedule and training progress.

Work and study combination: As an apprentice, you will work either full-time or part-time while receiving formal training from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). School-based apprenticeships may be available.

Eligibility: Generally, apprenticeships do not require any formal qualifications to enter, making them accessible to a wide range of individuals, including if you are a school leaver or someone looking to change careers. There are minimum age requirements and there may be other eligibility criteria.

Completion: On completion you will receive a nationally recognised trade qualification, showcasing your skill and experience.

Skills, qualifications, accreditations and licences

A Fabrication Tradesperson may choose to pursue other training or certifications, licences and tickets. Qualifications and skills may be required to progress to supervisor or team leader positions.

To advance in your career you could undertake additional training:

  • Certificate IV in Engineering (MEM40119)
  • Diploma of Engineering – Advanced Trade (MEM50119)

Holding a degree in manufacturing, human resources, finance, economics, marketing or management can be helpful if you are considering taking a step into leadership or a business ownership position.

Specialist higher education qualifications that may help you progress in this role include:

  • Bachelor of Engineering

Career progression

In this role, you may have the opportunity to progress to other positions. Career progression opportunities include:

Explore the general manufacturing and engineering

The general manufacturing and engineering industry is a diverse and dynamic area that forms the backbone of the country’s industrial capabilities. From precision components to large-scale machinery, this industry encompasses a wide range of activities that drive innovation, productivity, and economic growth across multiple sectors of the economy.

General manufacturing and engineering industry