Diploma of Engineering - Technical

The Diploma of Engineering - Technical at TAFE Queensland is a practical qualification for people who want to work alongside engineers, not behind a desk theorising. Over 51 weeks you learn how mechanical systems are designed, drawn, measured and maintained. Expect to spend time on computer-aided design (CAD), interpreting and producing engineering drawings, materials and their properties, workshop and machining practice, mechanical fitting and assembly, and the maths and physics that sit under all of it. You also cover workplace safety, quality procedures and the documentation that keeps an engineering workshop running.

How the qualification is structured

This is an AQF diploma, which sits below a bachelor degree and above a certificate IV. TAFE Queensland delivers it as a nested award, so the units you complete can count towards further study. The course runs for 51 weeks and is made up of units of competency, each carrying credit points. Delivery is typically face-to-face in workshops and computer labs, with some theory classes and supervised project work. Assessment is competency-based: you demonstrate that you can do the task to industry standard, not just answer questions about it. There is no separate honours year at diploma level. If you later move into a bachelor degree, your diploma units may be credited towards it, subject to the receiving institution's rules.

Skills you build

By the end you should be able to read and produce engineering drawings, use CAD software to model parts and assemblies, select materials for a job, operate hand and machine tools safely, carry out basic mechanical tests, and apply engineering calculations to real problems. You also learn to work in a team, follow Australian standards and workplace procedures, and keep the records that make an engineering project traceable. Those are the skills employers ask for when they hire technical officers, draftspersons and maintenance planners.

Who it suits

This diploma suits school leavers who want a hands-on start in engineering, tradespeople moving into technical roles, and international students looking for a shorter qualification than a degree. It also works for people already in the workforce who need formal recognition of what they can do. English requirements for international applicants are set at IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall, or an accepted equivalent such as TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1 Advanced. The Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa, so check both. While studying, a student visa allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight. After graduating, the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) post-study work stream may be available, depending on your circumstances. Tuition is published on the CRICOS register under course code 112010M. Confirm current fees, intake dates and unit details on the official TAFE Queensland page before you apply.

• Engineering technical officer
• Mechanical engineering draftsperson
• CAD operator or detailer
• Maintenance planner or scheduler
• Workshop supervisor (with experience)
• Production or manufacturing support officer
• Estimator or technical sales support in engineering supply

Graduates work in manufacturing, mining and resources, construction, defence, water utilities, transport and engineering consultancies across Australia. Some continue into a bachelor degree with credit for their diploma units.