Certificate II · national qualification
Certificate II in Engineering Pathways
This is an entry-level qualification for people who want a taste of engineering and manufacturing work before committing to an apprenticeship or traineeship.
- How long it takes
- 6 to 12 months
- typical for this level
- What it costs
- From $890
- Subsidised at TAFE Queensland, full fee up to $5,595
- How you can study
- Online or on campus
- Includes a work placement
- Taught by
- 21 providers
- Every state and territory
Is this course right for you?
What the Certificate II in Engineering Pathways asks of you, and what you might want to check first.
It helps to have
- an interest in how things are made and put together
- a careful approach to using tools and equipment safely
- willingness to learn by doing practical workshop tasks
- good communication skills for working alongside others
Before you start
There are no entry requirements for this qualification.
What it costs
Subsidised place
From $890
at TAFE Queensland. Whether you get a subsidised place depends on your state, residency, age and earlier study.
Paying the full fee
$5,595
across the TAFEs listed below. Private providers set their own fees.
| TAFE | State | Subsidised | Concession | Full fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TAFE Queensland | QLD | $890 | $375 | $5,595 |
TAFE QueenslandQLD
- Subsidised
- $890
- Concession
- $375
- Full fee
- $5,595
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, read 20 September 2026. Private providers set their own fees.
Where you can study this course
There are 21 places you can study this course. When you compare them, check they teach it the way you want to study, how far you'd be from a campus, what it will cost you and what past students say about the teaching and support. They're listed by how often people search for them, and none of them pays to be here or to move up.
- Website for Melbourne Polytechnic (opens in a new tab)
Melbourne Polytechnic
13 campuses, VIC
3.7from 485 Google reviews
What students like
- Some teachers are supportive and go out of their way
- Student services offer understanding and compassion
What to weigh up
- Messages to staff can go unanswered
- Enrolment mistakes can take time to fix
What students like
- Teachers are supportive and ready to help
- Staff are helpful and friendly
- Course content is practical and industry relevant
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Some find front desk staff less helpful
- Website for Charles Darwin University (opens in a new tab)
Charles Darwin University
12 campuses, NSW, NT
4.2from 619 Google reviews
What students like
- Admin and support staff are helpful
What to weigh up
- Units vary depending on the lecturer
- Feedback on assessments can vary
- Course page for TAFE Queensland (opens in a new tab)
TAFE Queensland
20 campuses, QLD
4.1from 2,040 Google reviews
- How you study
- Online or on campus
- Fee
- From $890 subsidised
What students like
- Teachers are helpful and supportive
What to weigh up
- Poor communication from admin
- Website for TAFE SA (opens in a new tab)
TAFE SA
26 campuses, SA
4.4from 1,339 Google reviews
What students like
- Lecturers are nice and helpful
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Course information can be unclear
- Website for Central Queensland University (opens in a new tab)
Central Queensland University
18 campuses
4.1from 999 Google reviews
- Website for EQUALS International (opens in a new tab)
EQUALS International
EQUALS, SA
4.2from 317 Google reviews
What students like
- Trainers are supportive and explain things clearly
- Staff are helpful and friendly
- Placements are arranged on time
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Website for Axiom College (opens in a new tab)
Axiom College
4 campuses, QLD
4.5from 164 Google reviews
What students like
- Trainers explain things clearly and are approachable
- Trainers respond quickly and give helpful feedback
What to weigh up
- Enrolment and admin can be slow
- Communication can be inconsistent
- Some course content is out of date
What you’ll learn
The main topics covered in the Certificate II in Engineering Pathways.
- Working safely in a workshop
- Using engineering tools and equipment
- Introductory welding and metal joining
- Basic machining on a lathe
- Making or modifying a project
- Workplace placement experience
Questions to ask before you enrol
Providers run this course differently, so the answers change from one to the next.
- When is the next intake, and how many are there each year?
- What is the total cost, including materials, checks and any placement costs?
- Can I study part time or online, and how does that change the length?
- Who arranges the work placement, and how many hours does it involve?
- Do the units count towards a higher qualification if I go on to study further?
Questions people ask
Who is this qualification for?
It is for people who want a taste of engineering and manufacturing work before committing to an apprenticeship or traineeship. You learn to use tools and equipment safely to make or modify objects, with an introduction to welding and machining. It leads to a role as an assembler.
Do I need experience or other qualifications first?
There are no entry requirements for this qualification. However, individual providers can set their own conditions, so check with the provider you choose.