Metal working trade workers in Australia has been in demand and this job category would include welder jobs, metal fitter jobs, and machinist jobs. Because of shortages in these jobs, employers also resort to international recruitment and would also allow overseas personnel to apply for jobs in this trade. A relatively competitive pay awaits those who would be qualified.
Job Responsibilities
Welders repair and fabricate metal products by using different welding techniques to apply heat or electrical current to join metal parts together. A metal machinist sets up and operates machinery to form and shape metal stock and casting. They use drawings and specifications to do this. Mechanical fitters repair and maintain mechanical plant machinery and equipment to meet operational standards. They also use precision measuring tools to check if the parts used for machinery fit and are accurate. Metal fabricators mark off and fabricate structural steel and metal stock to repair or make metal products. Sheet-metal trades workers also mark out, form, shape, and join sheet-metal to make components and products.
Job Requirements and Eligibility
These jobs would require an Australian Qualifications Framework Certificate III, with at least two years of on-the-job experience, or AQF Certificate IV (ANZCO Skill Level 3). Three years of relevant working experience would also substitute for the formal qualifications mentioned. Although candidates would qualify, some employees would deem applicants unsuitable, especially overseas workers and international workers, if they lack communication skills and knowledge of the work environment.
Job Outlook
There has been a shortage in the metalworking trade because, as most employers believe, young people do not consider metal trades a popular career option compared to construction. However, demand for metalworking trade workers continues to rise.
This is a small occupation employing 6,900 workers in 2017. Over the next 5 years (to May 2022) the number of workers is expected to remain the same at 6,900. Employers in need of these skilled people are sponsoring overseas workers to Australia if the applicant has the skills and experiences suited for the job and have obtained a 457 visa to become one of their 457 workers.
Salary Details
Average earnings for full-time workers are estimated $1,118 weekly. Earnings tend to be lower when starting out and higher as experience grows.
Skill Level, Assessment, and Licensing
The skills assessment authority that is relevant for metalworking trade occupations in Australia is the Trades Recognition Australia. In many occupations, it is required that an applicant is registered or obtain a license from the local authority or territory where he plans to work. Thus, it is important to contact the local authority of the state to ask about the registration process and licensing requirements.
