There are a few different starting points in this trade area. First work out whether you need a full trade qualification, an apprenticeship, recognition of training or experience you already have, or an extra ticket named in a specific job advertisement.
A trade qualification can open relevant job options, but it does not guarantee a FIFO role. Employers set their own experience, site and role requirements.
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NOT YET QUALIFIED
Understand the trade pathway first.
In Western Australia, a common recognised trade route for fabrication, boilermaking and welding is an engineering fabrication apprenticeship. The current WA apprenticeship list includes MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering, Fabrication (Boilermaking/Welding). Apprentices are employed under a registered training contract and complete workplace learning with off the job training through an approved training provider.
Read the occupation profile and current apprenticeship information before choosing a course. A pre-apprenticeship or work preparation course may help you build skills or compete for an apprenticeship, but it is not the same as completing a trade qualification.
Contact the people who can help you find an employer.
An apprenticeship is a job as well as a training pathway, so look for an employer and a training contract. The Australian Apprenticeship Support Network providers can advise people starting or looking for an apprenticeship and some offer job search support. Jobs and Skills Centres also offer free career and training help.
Search for terms such as “engineering fabrication apprentice”, “boilermaker apprentice” and “fabrication apprentice”. Check employer career pages, apprenticeship provider listings, job boards and local engineering or fabrication workshops. Follow the application instructions in each current advertisement.
Mining, resources, engineering, construction and maintenance employers recruit trade workers for different projects and rosters. Vacancies change often, so use these official career pages to check what is open now. Search by trade and also by work type, such as shutdown, maintenance, structural fabrication or fixed plant.
Read each advertisement carefully. It may ask for a trade certificate, relevant industrial experience, particular welding processes, site inductions, medical clearance or other role specific requirements. Only treat a ticket as necessary when a genuine role or employer confirms it.
Compare your current experience with a few current apprenticeship or trade advertisements. Then confirm the qualification or ticket requirements with the employer, Jobs and Skills WA, an Apprenticeship Support Network provider or the Apprenticeship Office before spending money.
