Engineering Tradesperson - Mechanical

Mechanical engineering tradespersons carry out a range of mechanical work on machines, sub-assemblies and manufactured parts using a range of processes, tools and machines.

Mechanical engineering tradespersons may perform the following tasks:

examine detailed drawings or specifications to find out job, material and equipment requirements
set up and adjust metalworking machines and equipment
operate machines to produce parts or tools by turning, boring, milling, planing, shaping, slotting, grinding or drilling metal stock or components
fit and assemble metal parts, tools or sub-assemblies, including welding or brazing parts
cut, thread, bend and install hydraulic and pneumatic pipes and lines
dismantle faulty tools and assemblies and repair or replace defective parts
set up and/or operate hand and machine tools, welding equipment or Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines
check accuracy and quality of finished parts, tools or sub-assemblies.

Specialisations:

With experience and further study, competent tradespeople can upgrade their qualifications to the technician, associate, technologist or engineer level.

Fitter

A fitter fits and assembles parts and sub-assemblies made from metal and other materials to make production machinery and other equipment. The work of fitters can be divided into three main areas: marking out work to be done, assembling and installing machines, and maintaining and repairing them.

Gunsmith

A gunsmith alters, services and repairs rifles, revolvers and other firearms.

Gunsmiths need good background training in fitting, turning and welding. Knowledge of woodwork and different types of steel is useful for producing, fitting and polishing various parts.

The work of a gunsmith can be very noisy and sometimes hazardous.

Locksmith

A locksmith tests security requirements and installs and maintains locks and related security equipment.

Locksmiths can specialise in lock manipulation, safe work, key manufacture and identification, door closure work or master key systems.

Metal Machinist

A metal machinist sets up and operates tools to cut, shape and form metal stock and castings to exact sizes, using detailed drawings, CAD systems and specifications. They machine metal components from single to complex forms. Metal machinists make machines and equipment that are used to produce goods such as food, clothes, steel products and cars.

Toolmaker

A toolmaker makes and repairs moulds, dies, jigs, fixtures, press tools and other special equipment, to produce parts for industrial machinery and most other manufactured articles. They may make precision machinery for machine tools and other manufacturing machinery.

Recent changes in the industry have resulted in a number of trade jobs being merged into a single broad occupation. The new training structure provides a mix of skills across a number of traditional occupations as well as allowing the Australian Apprentice to develop specific skills.

Mechanical engineering tradespersons usually work in workshops or production areas that can be noisy, hot and dusty. They may spend most of their day standing and often need to bend, crouch or climb.

Mechanical engineering tradespersons must be aware of safety regulations and wear protective equipment (for example, earmuffs to minimise noise levels in the workplace).

Personal Requirements:

enjoy technical work
physically fit
good hand-eye coordination
able to work independently or as part of a team
practical ability
attention to detail
normal hearing
no skin allergies.

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