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Turn your machining experience into an Australian qualification
Experienced metal machinist from overseas? RPL converts your experience into a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (MEM30219), without going back to school.
Sound familiar?
You’ve set up and operated lathes, mills and CNC machines for years. Australia just needs it on paper.
You’re working as a machine operator below your level.
Engineering workshops ask for an Australian qualification you don’t have.
You’re earning less than qualified machinists doing the same work.
You are aiming for skilled migration but don’t know where to start.
What RPL changes for you
Same skills. The difference is a certificate employers and assessors recognise.
- Machine operator rate
- Experience not recognised
- Harder to get qualified machinist roles
- No clear visa pathway
- Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (MEM30219)
- Recognised by employers across Australia
- Access to qualified machinist roles
- Pathway 2 for your TRA assessment: no practical assessment, lower fees
How RPL works, step by step
No classroom. Your real experience is assessed against the Australian standard.
Free eligibility check
We review your trade, experience and background, and tell you if RPL is the right pathway for you.
Strategy call
We map out the qualification that fits your experience, realistic timelines and next steps, in plain English (or French).
Evidence preparation
You gather proof of your experience. We give you templates and review everything before it goes to the assessor.
Assessment by an RTO
A registered training organisation assesses your evidence against the Australian standard. This can include a practical demonstration or a competency conversation.
Your Australian certificate
Once successful, you receive your Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade (MEM30219). You can then apply for qualified roles or, for skilled migration, move on to your TRA skills assessment for machinists.
What evidence you'll need
Every RTO sets its own requirements. Most ask for a mix of the following.
- Employer references describing your duties and dates of employment
- Payslips, contracts or tax records for each job
- Photos and videos of your work
- Photos and videos of parts you machined, drawings you worked from and the machines you used
- Overseas qualifications or certificates, with certified translations if needed
- Your CV and passport
Check your eligibility in 60 seconds
Tell us about your trade and experience. We’ll tell you exactly what you qualify for. Free, no commitment.
Is RPL right for you?
RPL through Oversix is designed for overseas tradies who meet these criteria.
Non-licensed trade
Metal machinist is not a licensed trade for employees in most states.
Solid work experience
Real, hands-on experience in your trade, with or without an overseas diploma.
Australian qualification goal
You want an official certificate for better jobs, higher pay or skilled migration.
In Australia or planning to move
Whether you’re already here working below your level, or still planning your move.
Frequently asked questions
Machinist, fitter or toolmaker?
They are different occupations, each with its own assessment. Machinists set up and operate machine tools to make parts; fitters assemble and maintain machinery; toolmakers make precision tools and dies. We check which one matches your experience on the strategy call.
How long does RPL take?
Usually 1 to 3 months, depending on how quickly you gather your evidence and on the assessor’s schedule.
Do I need to be in Australia?
Not always. Most evidence is documents, photos and videos, but some RTOs require a practical assessment in person. We check this with you.
Is an RPL certificate a real Australian qualification?
Yes. RPL leads to the same nationally recognised qualification as completing the course; you simply don’t repeat training for skills you already have.
Can I use RPL for skilled migration?
RPL gives you a nationally recognised Australian qualification. For the visa you then need a TRA skills assessment. Depending on your TRA program, your Australian qualification can let you apply under Pathway 2: no practical assessment and much lower fees. See our metal machinist skills assessment page. We are not migration agents: for visa advice, speak to a registered migration agent.
Real tradies. Real results.
Over 100 overseas tradies have already gone through the Oversix process. Here’s what some of them had to say.
RPL for other trades
Ready to get your certificate?
It takes 60 seconds. No commitment. Just clarity.