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National code: MEA40922

Certificate IV in Aircraft Surface Finishing

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Overview About this course

Get a flying start in your aircraft maintenance and finishing career by honing your skills in our industry-standard facilities. Be prepared to apply protective and decorative coatings to aircraft and join the prestigious global aviation industry.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

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

  • Prepare the surfaces of aircraft and its components for the application of surface finishes

  • Apply paint, specialist finishes, decals and stencils

  • Apply aircraft registration markings, national markings and company brand logos

  • Supervise aircraft surface finishing techniques

Course outcomes

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

  • The skills to pursue a career in aviation surface finishing

  • A strong pathway to continue your study and enhance your career opportunities

  • Ability to work in general aviation, private jet, airline or military aircraft maintenance environments

  • Experience maintaining, applying and updating the critical protective and aesthetic surface finishes on aircraft

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

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

  • Be employed as an apprentice in industry as evidenced by a letter of support from your employer

  • Register with an Apprenticeship Network Provider who will support your application and submit your Training Plan Proposal (TPP) with your application

Note

  • This course may also be offered as a non-apprenticeship. Enquire today to discuss your eligibility.

Completion requirements

During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:

  • Depending on your work location, you may require an ASIC (Aviation Security Identification Card) to access restricted areas on an airfield.

Entry recommendations

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

  • Literacy and numeracy skills at Year 10 level

  • A genuine interest in the aviation industry and supervising teams

  • An interest in the removal and installation, preparation and finishing of aircraft and aircraft components including logos or markings

  • Comfort working at heights

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, assistant aircraft surface finisher, aircraft painter, aircraft surface finishing supervisor.

Study pathways

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

Previous study 1 Course

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

Further study 1 Course

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

Related study 1 Course

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

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 IV in Aircraft Surface Finishing qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 21 units of competency, including 17 core and 4 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.

  • Prepare vehicle spray painting equipment for use AURVTP103

  • Apply air dry and polyurethane refinishing materials AURVTP112

  • Interpret and use aviation maintenance industry manuals and specifications MEA107

  • Conduct self in the aviation maintenance environment MEA118

  • ... 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.