Wondering what a career in metal fabrication, welding, or mechanical trades really looks like? This Career Taster gives you hands‑on experience with real workshop tools, materials and machining processes so you can explore whether a pathway in engineering trades is right for you. Across this engaging multi‑day program, you’ll learn how metal components are shaped, joined and assembled in industry settings. You’ll experience fundamental machining techniques, practice safe workshop procedures, and build confidence using tools and equipment under the supervision of trades instructors.
Definitions of our ACC, NACC and PDC short course codes.
QUALITY EDUCATION, WHEREVER YOU ARE
Between our reputation for learning, teaching and research, our renowned online education offering, and our status as Australia’s largest regional university, rest assured you will get a world-class education when you choose CQUniversity.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CREDIBILITY IS KEY
In just 25 years, CQUniversity has achieved some amazing feats and emerged as one of Australia’s truly great universities. We have been ranked among the best in the world for our teaching and learning, and are internationally recognised for our focus on Social Innovation. Our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia, due to our reputation for work integrated learning and industry-aligned courses, and experience some of the nation’s best graduate outcomes in terms of full-time employment and starting salary. CQUni is also regarded as the nation’s most inclusive and engaged university, with our award-winning academic and research staff making a real impact on the communities and industries we serve.
A UNI THAT LEADS IN ONLINE EDUCATION
A pioneer in online study, CQUniversity has more than two decades of experience providing high quality online learning experiences across the country and even internationally. We work hard to deliver the latest techniques in online study, and have even planned our physical sites to provide more services to our widespread online study cohort.
A UNI THAT KNOWS CONVENIENCE COUNTS
CQUniversity is truly focused on our students’ needs, and that means responding to what, how and where they want to study. It is why we are now Australia’s largest regional university, with more than 20 metropolitan and regional locations across five states, delivering TAFE and university qualifications in on-campus, online and supported online modes to more than 30 000 students.
A UNI THAT KNOWS YOUR EXPERIENCE MATTERS
CQUniversity’s strong focus on student experience ensures that you are prepared and supported on your student journey. Support services include on-campus or online orientation to assist your transition into university life, course and career advice, financial support options, study support, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor program, counselling services, support for students with disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support and more.
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.
| Full Time Duration |
|---|
| 5 days |
This non-accredited Career Taster program is delivered face-to-face over five consecutive days at your enrolled CQUniversity campus.
Students will participate in hands-on engaging practical learning experiences and projects exploring concepts and practical skills used across industrial fabrication and mechanical environments. Students will take part in supervised, practical learning experiences that introduce them to core concepts, safety expectations and foundational skills used across engineering trade environments. Throughout the program, students will engage in a variety of hands‑on activities that reflect real‑world workshop practices, including working with tools and materials, following technical instructions, exploring mechanical processes, and developing an understanding of how engineered components are created, assembled and maintained.
| Unit Code | Unit Name |
|---|---|
| NUCRT280A | WHS and Introduction to Machining and Fabrication Fundamentals |
| NUCRT280B | Machining & Mechanical Assembly |
| NUCRT280C | Welding & Fabrication Skills |
| Intake | Locations |
|---|---|
| July, 2026 | Emerald, Rockhampton |
| August, 2026 | Emerald, Mackay, Rockhampton |
For course commencement dates, please review the Career Tasters Delivery Schedule.
This course has no residential schools.
Enrolment in this course is subject to meeting the funding eligibility criteria for Career Tasters. Please see the Fees and Scholarships tab for more information.
During your study at CQUniversity
To take part in this Career Taster, students must wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) while in workshops and training areas. PPE is required to help keep students safe in practical learning environments.
Students are to wear:
Important information
The following Career Tasters course is made available at no cost to eligible year 10 Queensland students, thanks to the Australian Government and Queensland Government.
To be eligible to participate, students must be 15 to 17 years of age by the commencement of the month of their chosen intake and one of the following:
Students participate by completing one Career Taster at a time, and may participate in a maximum of two Career Tasters in total.
Additional eligibility criteria apply, visit Career Tasters to learn more.
Check what you need to do to apply to study this course.
Our easy-to-use online application system will guide you through the process of applying for a TAFE course. If you need help along the way with your application, talk with one of our Student Advice team members by calling 13 27 86.
This course is a highly competitive course with limited places available and is subject to change based on availability.
CQUniversity acknowledges Traditional Owners and Custodians and pays respect to the Elders of all First Nations peoples of Australia.CQUniversity Australia is a trading name of Central Queensland University
ABN: 39 181 103 288
RTO Code: 40939
CRICOS: 00219C
TEQSA: PRV12073
