Manufacturing and process operations courses
Want to work in manufacturing? The quickest way in is the fabrication trade, which can take under a year, while air conditioning and refrigeration runs the longest. These courses also cover sign making and polymer processing.
- Quickest way to start
- 7 months
- Certificate III, full time at TAFE NSW
- TAFE cost from
- $2,172
- subsidised Certificate III, Holmesglen Institute
- What the jobs pay
- $59,800 to $119,600
- median pay across 16 jobs, some estimated
- Demand
- 11 of 16 jobs
- are on the national shortage list
Which course do you need?
It depends on the job you want.
Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
Work as a metal fabricator
Cut, shape and join steel and other metals to make frames, structures and components from drawings.
Median pay$87,800
- How long it takes
- About 0.5 to 4 years full time at TAFE NSW
- What it costs
- $6,283 at Chisholm Institute if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $22,248 full fee
- How you'll study
- On campus
Certificate III in Polymer Processing
Run polymer and plastics production lines
Set up and run the machines that turn polymers into finished products, checking quality and fixing faults.
Median pay$65,000 (estimate)
- How long it takes
- Typically 1 to 2 years
Certificate III in Signs and Graphics
Work as a sign writer
Design, print and build signs, from vinyl and acrylic lettering to illuminated signs with LED lighting.
JobSign Writer
Median pay$68,600 (estimate)
- How long it takes
- 2 to 3 years full time at TAFE NSW
- What it costs
- $2,990 at TAFE NSW if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $13,190 full fee
- How you'll study
- On campus
Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
Qualify as an air conditioning technician
Install, service and repair the refrigeration and air conditioning systems used in homes, shops and food storage.
JobAir Conditioning Technician
Median pay$109,200
- How long it takes
- 3 to 4 years full time at TAFE NSW
- What it costs
- $3,300 at TAFE NSW if you're eligible for a subsidised place, or $16,980 full fee
- How you'll study
- On campus
How much it costs at TAFE
If you're eligible for a government-subsidised place, you pay much less than the full fee, and in some states these courses can be free. Here's what each TAFE lists.
| TAFE | State | Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration | Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade | Certificate III in Signs and Graphics | Certificate III in Upholstery | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subsidised | Full fee | Subsidised | Full fee | Subsidised | Full fee | Subsidised | Full fee | ||
| TAFE NSW | NSW | $3,300 | $16,980 | Not listed | Not listed | $2,990 | $13,190 | $2,680 | $15,340 |
| Chisholm Institute | VIC | Not listed | Not listed | $6,283 | $22,248 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| GOTAFE | VIC | Not listed | $22,176 | Not listed | $20,196 | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| Holmesglen Institute | VIC | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | $2,172 | $19,796 |
TAFE NSWNSW
- Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- $3,300 subsidised
- $16,980 full fee
- Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Signs and Graphics
- $2,990 subsidised
- $13,190 full fee
- Certificate III in Upholstery
- $2,680 subsidised
- $15,340 full fee
Chisholm InstituteVIC
- Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
- $6,283 subsidised
- $22,248 full fee
- Certificate III in Signs and Graphics
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Upholstery
- Not listed
GOTAFEVIC
- Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Not listed
- $22,176 full fee
- Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
- Not listed
- $20,196 full fee
- Certificate III in Signs and Graphics
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Upholstery
- Not listed
Holmesglen InstituteVIC
- Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Signs and Graphics
- Not listed
- Certificate III in Upholstery
- $2,172 subsidised
- $19,796 full fee
Fees as each TAFE shows them on its website, checked 20 September 2026. “Not listed” means the TAFE doesn't show that fee online. Private colleges set their own fees.
Other certificates and diplomas
- Certificate II in Polymer Processing6 to 12 months. A first step onto a polymer production line, running machines to a set procedure and reporting anything unusual.
Can help with: rubber machine operator
- Certificate III in Jewellery Manufacture3 years. For people who want to make jewellery as a trade, usually through an apprenticeship at the bench.
- Certificate III in Locksmithing3 years. Trains you to fit, repair and make locks and security systems for homes, cars and commercial sites.
- Certificate III in Manufactured Mineral Products1 to 2 years. For plant floor work making cement, concrete, asphalt and quarry products. No entry requirements.
Can help with: concrete products machine operator
- Certificate III in Outdoor Power Equipment Technology3 years. Service and repair mowers, chainsaws and small engines for equipment shops, dealerships and hire businesses.
- Certificate III in Printing3 years. For print machinists who set up and run presses and digital printers, or people moving into print production.
Can help with: photo lab technician, printer's assistant
- Certificate III in Process Manufacturing1 to 2 years. For people already on a production line who want to run and support processes in chemical, plastics and mineral plants.
Can help with: clay products machine operator, glass production operator, machine operator
- Certificate III in Process Plant Operations1 to 2 years. For operators running equipment in refineries, mills, chemical works and food manufacturing sites.
Can help with: glass production operator, paper machine operator
- Certificate III in Upholstery3 years. The trade certificate for upholstering furniture, from rebuilding frames and springs to cutting and fitting covers.
Jobs you can do with this study
Pay is the median for everyone in the job, not a starting salary.
- Air Conditioning TechnicianWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$109,200In demand
- Metal FabricatorWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$87,800In demand
Sheet Metal WorkerWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$71,800 (estimate)In demand
WelderWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$87,800In demand
Pressure WelderMedian pay$96,200 (estimate)In demand
JewellerWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$59,800 (estimate)In demand
LocksmithWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$78,000 (estimate)In demand
Small Engine MechanicWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$65,000 (estimate)In demand
Conveyor Belt SplicerWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$119,600 (estimate)In demand- Plastics Machine OperatorWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$65,000 (estimate)
Pre-press OperatorWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$62,400 (estimate)
PrinterWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$73,200
Screen PrinterWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$59,800 (estimate)
Sign InstallerWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$66,600 (estimate)- Sign WriterWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$68,600 (estimate)In demand
UpholstererWhat you needCertificate IIIMedian pay$79,400In demand
“In demand” means the job is on the national skills shortage list. Pay marked as an estimate is our own analysis, not a published figure. Check the course and provider are approved for the work you want, as rules differ by state.
Still not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your time, state and budget, and we'll show the courses that suit you.