Machine Operator

A Trade Assistant provides support to qualified tradespeople across a variety of industries such as construction, manufacturing, automotive, and engineering. Their responsibilities typically include preparing work areas, handling tools and materials, cleaning up job sites, and performing basic manual tasks under the direction of tradespeople.

Trade Assistants are not required to have formal qualifications, but physical fitness, safety awareness, and a willingness to learn are essential. They often work on construction sites, in workshops, or in industrial settings, and the role can serve as a pathway into a trade apprenticeship or more specialised technical work.

Future demand Medium
Average yearly income $68,848
Skill level Unknown

How do I become a machine operator?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
ICP31220

Certificate III in Printing
Apprenticeship, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 38 months
$2,000 - $2,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Screen Printer Printing Machinist Printing Operator
Machine Operator
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Screen Printer Printing Machinist Printing Operator Machine Operator + 1 more
FWP40121

Certificate IV in Forest Operations
Traineeship
12 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Machine Operator Environmental Officer Environmental Compliance Officer
Logistics Coordinator Forestry Supervisor Forestry Field Officer
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Machine Operator Environmental Officer Environmental Compliance Officer Logistics Coordinator Forestry Supervisor Forestry Field Officer + 3 more
MEM30119

Certificate III in Engineering - Production Systems
On Campus
14 months
$12,500
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Production Operator Production Technician Machine Operator
Manufacturing Technician
+ 1 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Production Operator Production Technician Machine Operator Manufacturing Technician + 1 more
MSM20216

Certificate II in Manufacturing Technology
On Campus
6 - 8 months
$2,500 - $5,060
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Machine Operator Production Worker Process Worker
Maintenance Assistant Factory Worker Polymer Technician
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Machine Operator Production Worker Process Worker Maintenance Assistant Factory Worker Polymer Technician + 3 more
TLI27221

Certificate II in Rail Track Vehicle Driving
On Campus
6 - 12 months
$4,000
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Track Machine Operator Rail Infrastructure Worker Plant Operator
Vehicle Operator Machine Operator
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Track Machine Operator Rail Infrastructure Worker Plant Operator Vehicle Operator Machine Operator + 2 more
RII30920

Certificate III in Civil Construction (Road Marking)
Traineeship
18 months
Unavailable
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Road Construction Worker Machine Operator Construction Labourer
Sign Installer Road Marker
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Road Construction Worker Machine Operator Construction Labourer Sign Installer Road Marker + 2 more
AMP30116

Certificate III in Meat Processing (Boning Room)
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 48 months
$1,716 - $4,100
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Abattoir Knife Hand Meat Inspector Meat Process Worker
Butcher Machine Operator
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Abattoir Knife Hand Meat Inspector Meat Process Worker Butcher Machine Operator + 2 more
AMP30616

Certificate III in Meat Processing (General)
Traineeship
24 months
$3,800
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Packer Meat Processor Abattoir Labourer
Machine Operator Butcher Meat Inspector Meat Process Worker Apprentice Butcher
+ 5 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Meat Packer Meat Processor Abattoir Labourer Machine Operator Butcher Meat Inspector Meat Process Worker Apprentice Butcher + 5 more
AMP30916

Certificate III in Meat Processing (Smallgoods - General)
Traineeship
24 months
$6,700
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Butcher Meat Process Worker Food Process Worker
Machine Operator Safety Officer
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Butcher Meat Process Worker Food Process Worker Machine Operator Safety Officer + 2 more
AMP31016

Certificate III in Meat Processing (Smallgoods - Manufacture)
Blended, Traineeship
3 years
$6,700
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Production Worker Meat Process Worker Meat Processor
Meat Packer Machine Operator Food Safety Officer Retail Assistant
+ 4 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Food Production Worker Meat Process Worker Meat Processor Meat Packer Machine Operator Food Safety Officer Retail Assistant + 4 more
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Further reading

Adapting to Change: AI and the Future of Jobs in Australia

19th August 2025

Why study English

12th August 2025

Thinking of hiring an apprentice or trainee? Here's what you need to know

28th July 2025