Your Career in Metal Fabrication with an ATEC Apprenticeship

A metal fabrication apprenticeship provides a structured, hands-on approach to gaining essential skills and qualifications. ATEC Group Training plays a central role in this process, supporting apprentices and host employers by managing recruitment, training, and employment arrangements.

ATEC Group Training offers a comprehensive system that ensures metal fabrication apprentices receive the right mix of practical and theoretical training to become qualified engineering tradespeople. Support from ATEC Group Training starts at the recruitment stage and continues through to apprenticeship placement employment.

ATEC Group Training works with a network of host employers across industries to place apprentices in environments that align with their career goals. Host employers benefit from skilled apprentices who contribute to their operations while they gain hands-on industry training. The placement process is tailored to ensure that apprentices experience various aspects of metal fabrication, from welding and structural fabrication to assembly and custom metalworking.

ATEC Group Training acts as the apprentice's direct employer throughout the apprenticeship. This removes much of the administrative burden from the host employer, allowing them to focus on providing the apprentice with hands-on training. As the official employer, ATEC Group Training manages apprentice wages, insurance, and workplace conditions, ensuring that apprentices are well-supported from day one.

As part of the metal fabrication apprenticeship, ATEC Group Training coordinates the on-the-job training provided by the host employer and coordinates the theory learning delivered through ATEC’s RTO (Registered Training Organisation). The RTO component covers essential topics like welding, metal cutting, blueprint reading, and safe handling of materials. Through a combination of theoretical coursework and practical, on the job experience, you will gain a deep understanding of metal fabrication techniques required for Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM30319), which you need when aiming for a career as an Engineering Tradesperson.

An apprenticeship in metal fabrication with ATEC Group Training Organisation provides a well-rounded educational pathway that combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience. A major benefit is that apprentices earn while they learn and acquire essential course skills. After finishing the apprenticeship, graduates hold a valuable formal qualification and have four years of practical experience. Choosing a recognised GTO like ATEC, which boasts over 35 years in the field, ensures apprentices enjoy job security that many employers cannot provide.

Here are the key benefits of undertaking a metal fabrication apprenticeship through ATEC Group Training:

• Practical Experience: Apprentices gain on the job practical experience with a host company assigned by ATEC’s GTO.
• Additional Skills: You will learn various welding techniques and work with specialised equipment and machinery to complete fabrication tasks efficiently and accurately.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Apprentices receive mentorship throughout their journey under the supervision of experienced tradespeople. This ensures they learn best practices and understand industry standards from experts in the field. ATEC’s GTO also assigns each apprentice a dedicated Field Officer throughout their apprenticeship.
• Career Advancement: Your apprenticeship experience can be a launchpad for higher-level metal fabrication roles. Your host employer may decide to hire you full-time once qualified.
• Earn While You Learn: One of the most attractive aspects of an apprenticeship is the ability to earn a stable income while gaining both practical skills and a formal qualification.
• Job Security and Support: ATEC Group Training supports you throughout your apprenticeship and manages your placement, wages, insurance, while providing support to help you succeed.
• Nationally Recognised Qualification: Completing an apprenticeship with ATEC leads to Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM30319). This qualification is an Australia-wide recognised qualification, opening doors to a variety of job opportunities in the metalworking industry.
• Pursuit of Excellence: ATEC’s core value of continually pursuing excellence is instilled across all aspects of training plus you’ll be trained with a respected GTO with more than 35 years of experience.

Employing a metal fabrication apprentice via ATEC Group Training provides host employers with substantial benefits, including flexible placement options, recruitment assistance, and mentorship initiatives. ATEC Group Training takes care of the administrative aspects, such as managing government incentive programs, any required insurance, and wages.

1. Register your interest on the ATEC website: Once you register with ATEC Group Training, you’ll be contacted to provide a resume and potential interview.
2. Finding an Apprenticeship Placement: If your interview is successful, ATEC Group Training will match you with a suitable host employer based on your skills, interests, and career goals.
3. Signing a Training Contract: A formal training contract will be signed outlining both the apprentice and host employer obligations and responsibilities. This ensures both parties are committed to the program's success.
4. Commencing Training: Apprentices begin their dual training, splitting time between on-the-job training with their host employer and attending courses at one of ATEC’s RTO Skills Centres to cover the academic aspects of metal fabrication.
5. Gaining Certification: After completing the four-year apprenticeship and fulfilling all requirements, apprentices earn their Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade (MEM30319). This qualification signals their readiness to work as fully qualified engineering tradespeople.

After successfully completing all practical and theoretical components of the apprenticeship, individuals are awarded the MEM30319 Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade. This qualification certifies that the individual has the skills necessary to work independently in the trade, including but not limited to:

• Welding and cutting: Competency in various welding techniques and the ability to fabricate complex metal structures.
• Machinery operation: Proficiency in operating essential metal fabrication tools and equipment.
• Metal assembly: Ability to interpret drawings and assemble metal components accurately.
• Structural fabrication: Skills in creating and installing large metal frameworks used in buildings, bridges, and other structures.

A metal fabrication apprenticeship through ATEC Group Training offers a clear and rewarding path toward becoming a qualified engineering tradesperson. The skills and experience gained with this qualification open a wide range of career opportunities in the metal, engineering, manufacturing, and associated industries in South Australia.

This qualification is designed to provide an industry-recognized skills profile for trade work as an Engineering Tradesperson – Fabrication. The skills associated with this qualification apply to a wide range of fabrication work, including metal fabrication, structural steel erection, sheet metal work, welding, blacksmithing, and surface finishing. With ATEC's support, you receive the practical skills you need to succeed and the formal education and qualifications to advance your career.

Register your interest in a metal fabrication apprenticeship now by clicking on the Expression of Interest Form.