National code: MEA30118

Certificate III in Aircraft Surface Finishing

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Overview About this course

Turn your creativity and passion for aircraft into an exciting career. Learn how to use your precise attention to detail to apply paint and finishes to aircraft and create a specialist career as an aircraft surface finisher.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Prepare aircraft and components for surface finishes

  • Apply paint to aircraft and components

  • Apply finishes, decals and stencils to aircrafts

  • Create designs from manufacturer specifications

  • Work safely in an aviation environment

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Work on real decommissioned aircraft such as fix wing, gas turbine, propeller or rotary-wing aircraft at your TAFE campus

  • Work on a variety of aircrafts in your workplace

  • Liaise with industry professionals

  • Work safely and sustainably in the aviation maintenance industry

  • Build a strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities

  • Develop good communication and critical thinking skills

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

This course requires evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • This course is offered as an apprenticeship. Enquire today to check the eligibility requirements.

  • Be employed as an apprentice in industry

  • Register with an Apprenticeship Network Provider who will support your application

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • Reading and writing skills at a Year 10 level

  • Genuine interest in the aviation industry

  • Strong spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like: aircraft surface finisher.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate III in Aircraft Surface Finishing does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Related study 0 Courses

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

The Certificate III in Aircraft Surface Finishing does not have any related courses.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Aircraft Surface Finishing qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 17 units of competency, including 17 core and 0 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Interpret and use aviation maintenance industry manuals and specifications MEA107

  • Conduct self in the aviation maintenance environment MEA118

  • Apply work health and safety practices in aviation maintenance MEA154

  • Plan and organise aviation maintenance work activities MEA155

  • ... 5

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.