Certificate III in Engineering - Composites Trade

This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required by a tradesperson working with composites within the metal, engineering, manufacturing and associated industries, or other industries where composites tradespersons work. The qualification has been specifically developed to meet the needs of apprentices in the above trade. The qualification packaging has been developed on the assumption that competency will be developed through an integrated combination of on and off-the-job learning strategies such as those delivered through a formal apprenticeship. The qualification may also be achieved through formal skills recognition assessment processes.

Job roles/employment outcomes

The MEM31112 Certificate III in Engineering - Composites Trade specifies the competencies required for employment as a composites tradesperson, including:

laying up composites

selecting and using materials and components for composite products

handling, using and storing materials and components used in composites

undertaking repairs and modifications to composite components

undertaking repairs and modifications using composites

adjusting resin chemicals for composite products and conditions

selecting and using joining techniques.

People with this qualification may work in a large manufacturing organisation, a smaller workshop, a repair facility, a defence or a government facility. The composites tradesperson may work in a composites manufacturing or repair organisation, or they may work in an aerospace, civil construction, general manufacturing, marine, vehicle or other organisation as a composites specialist. They may be part of a large organisation or they may be an independent contractor performing composites trade work for other organisations. ‘Composites’ in this application refers to reinforced resin components and does not include geo-textile or other industrial textiles.

This qualification is designed to provide an industry recognised skills profile related to working as a composites tradesperson. Skills development would usually be undertaken through an Australian Apprenticeship arrangement where the mix of on and off-the-job training would be specified in the Training Plan associated with the Contract of Training between the employer and apprentice.

This work will generally be undertaken in a factory or workshop environment but may also be undertaken onsite.

Assessment of some units of competency must, where indicated, include evidence of the candidate's performance in a productive work environment where there is a sufficient range of appropriate tasks and materials to cover the scope of application of those units. All outcomes must reflect the standard of performance inherent in the job.

Subjects

The minimum requirements for achievement of the MEM31112 Certificate III in Engineering - Composites Trade are:

completion of all core units of competency listed below

completion of elective units to a total value of at least 73 points, chosen as described below:

basic composite fabrication units from Group A to the value of at least 12 points

composite trade specialisation units from Group B to the value of at least 28 points

units not already chosen from Group B and trade specialisation units from Group C to bring the total value to at least 73 points.

Units with prerequisites are marked with an asterisk. Points associated with prerequisites count towards the total (refer to units and prerequisites listing in Appendix 2).

Appropriate Group C elective units to the value of 16 points may be chosen from other endorsed Training Packages and accredited courses where those units are available for inclusion at Certificate III.

Registered Training Organisations must seek a determination from Manufacturing Skills Australia in respect of the allocation of points values for units of competency drawn from other Training Packages or accredited courses.

Note that the elective units listed below include all of the units that are approved for selection from the MEM05 Training Package for use in this qualification. This meets the flexibility requirement that one sixth of the total units must be able to be selected from other qualifications in the same Training Package.

Core units of competency

Select all units from this list.

Unit code

Unit title

add topic MEM12023A

Perform engineering measurements

add topic MEM12024A

Perform computations

add topic MEM13014A

Apply principles of occupational health and safety in the work environment

add topic MEM14004A

Plan to undertake a routine task

add topic MEM14005A

Plan a complete activity

add topic MEM15002A

Apply quality systems

add topic MEM15024A

Apply quality procedures

add topic MEM16006A

Organise and communicate information

add topic MEM16007A

Work with others in a manufacturing, engineering or related environment

add topic MEM16008A

Interact with computing technology

add topic MEM17003A

Assist in the provision of on the job training

add topic MSAENV272B

Participate in environmentally sustainable work practices

Elective units of competency

Group A Composite fabrication units

Select units from this list to the value of at least 12 points.

Unit code

Unit title

Points

add topic MEM26001A

Lay up composites using open moulding techniques

6

add topic MEM26002A

Lay up composites using vacuum closed moulding techniques

6

add topic MEM26003A

Lay up composites using pressure closed moulding techniques

6

Group B - Composites trade specialisation units

Select units from this list to the value of at least 28 points.

Unit code

Unit title

Points

add topic MEM26004A

Make basic plugs for composites fabrication

3

add topic MEM26005A

Make basic moulds for composites fabrication

3

add topic MEM26006A

Mark and cut out sheets for composite use

4

add topic MEM26007A

Select and use reinforcing appropriate for product

4

add topic MEM26008A

Select and use resin systems appropriate for product

4

add topic MEM26009A

Select and use cores and fillers appropriate for product

2

add topic MEM26010A

Store and handle composite materials

2

add topic MEM26011A

Determine materials and techniques for a composite component or product*

6

add topic MEM26012A

Record and trial work processes for one-off composite products

4

add topic MEM26013A

Select and use composite processes or systems appropriate for product

4

add topic MEM26014A

Adjust resin chemicals for current conditions

4

add topic MEM26015A

Select and apply repair techniques

6

add topic MEM26016A

Select and use joining techniques

6

add topic MEM26017A

Prepare composite or other substrate surfaces

4

add topic MEM26018A

Organise composite trials

4

add topic MEM26019A

Finish a composite product

4

add topic MEM26020A

Identify and interpret required standards for composites

2

Group C - specialisation units

Select additional units from Group B or from the Certificate III Trade Specialisation units listed in Appendix I of this Training Package to bring the total value of units to at least 73 points, including any prerequisites.

Appropriate specialisation units to the value of 16 points may be chosen from other endorsed Training Packages and accredited courses where those units are available for inclusion at Certificate III.

Pathways...

    Pathways into the qualification

    There is no qualification entry requirement. It is assumed that the learner is engaged as an apprentice under a Training Contract and that the learner is involved in appropriate structured on-the-job learning while undertaking this qualification.

    This qualification may be accessed by direct entry. Credit for relevant units of competency achieved should be granted towards this qualification for those who have completed other relevant qualifications. Credit towards this qualification may also include units of competency contained within relevant pre-vocational and pre-apprenticeship programs and Statements of Attainment.

    Pathways from the qualification

    Further training pathways from this qualification include MEM40105 Certificate IV in Engineering and MEM50105 Diploma of Engineering – Advanced Trade or other relevant qualifications.

    Competitive Manufacturing qualifications are available for employees at this level who already possess trade and other technical skills and who require additional manufacturing practice skills above those available in this qualification.

Entry Requirements

Not applicable.

Licensing Information

There are no specific licences that relate to this qualification.

Employability Skills

Employability Skill

Industry/enterprise requirements for this qualification include:

Communication

Read, interpret, follow and communicate information on written job instructions, specifications, standard operating procedures, charts, lists, drawings and other applicable reference documents

Convey and share technical information

Produce sketches, diagrams, charts or graphs

Check and clarify task-related information

Recognise and use common fabrication terminology

Liaise with appropriate authorities

Teamwork

Work alone or as part of a team

Contribute to a group effort in order to plan and carry out work

Identify work roles, communicate and cooperate with others

Problem solving

Undertake numerical operations, geometry and calculations/ formulae (including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions and decimals, percentages and proportions, simple ratios and averages)

Use appropriate measuring techniques

Inspect quality of own or other employee's work

Analyse information according to enterprise and work requirements

Assess operation and condition of components against specifications or manufacturer’s requirements

Use diagnostic skills to identify and determine causes of faults, including interpretation of in-built fault indicators and error codes

Translate designs into practical outcomes

Initiative and enterprise

Be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts

Identify actual and foreseeable workplace hazards during course of work

Implement OHS risk management procedures

Modify work plan to overcome unforeseen difficulties or developments that occur as work progresses

Participate in improvement procedures, including process, quality and internal/external customer/supplier relationships

Economise material use and minimise waste

Planning and organising

Plan, prioritise and sequence work operations/complete activities/scheduled production

Select and use planning techniques and tools

Organise and analyse information relevant to work

Set up jobs prior to commencement of work, including selection of appropriate tools, equipment and materials and adjustment of equipment

Self-management

Carry out work safely and in accordance with company policy and procedures, manufacturer’s recommendations, environmental guidelines and legislative requirements

Monitor performance of operation or quality of product or service to ensure customer satisfaction

Take responsibility for own work outcomes

Apply techniques, procedures, tools and equipment for compliance with site or manufacturer specifications

Learning

Check and clarify task related information with appropriate personnel or technical adviser

Identify customers' requirements with respect to the operation or quality of the product or service

Assess and modify own work practices

Use manuals, online help and other reference materials, such as catalogues/lists, as required

Maintain current knowledge of applicable standards, legislation, codes of practice and product/process developments

Assist with on-the-job training and assessment

Technology

Select and use appropriate tools, equipment, materials and machines

Select and use appropriate measuring/testing devices

Navigate technology to access/input /store/retrieve/save and produce information/data using appropriate software applications

Apply knowledge of appropriate engineering principles, techniques, procedures, tools and equipment to achieve the required outcome