Standards, tickets & careers
What welding courses and pathways exist in Australia?
Quick answer
Australian welding pathways: the Certificate III in Engineering (Fabrication Trade) apprenticeship (3–4 years, paid), TAFE short courses for hobbyists and upskilling, and private AS 1796 ticket assessments ($500–$1,500 per class). The apprenticeship remains the full trade route; tickets stack pay on top.
Choosing a path
| Path | Cost/time | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship (Cert III) | 3–4 years, paid | trade qualification |
| TAFE short courses | days–weeks, $200–$1,000 | hobby or specific skills |
| AS 1796 ticket assessments | $500–$1,500 per class | certified positions/processes |