MEM Non-Destructive Testing Skills Set for Revamp
The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance is leading a crucial project to update the international standards for non-destructive testing (NDT), which form the basis for the certification of NDT technicians. The revisions will impact the Manufacturing and Engineering Training Package (MEM) units. These revisions are not just for compliance purposes but also to ensure that the skills of MEM learners and workers are in sync with the demands of modern manufacturing.
Understanding the Impact: Revisions to MEM Units
The adoption of ISO standards, recognised globally across industries, has necessitated a review of 19 units of competency within the MEM framework. These units, spanning various trade and technician occupations, require realignment to reflect the updated international benchmarks outlined in the Non-destructive testing – Qualification and certification of NDT personnel (ISO 9712:2021) and Non-destructive testing – NDT training syllabuses (ISO/TS 25107:2019).
Review Scope
The review encompasses 19 units of competency spread across ten qualifications and a skill set.
Qualifications:
- MEM50422 Diploma of Engineering – Non-Destructive Testing
- MEM30119 Certificate III in Engineering – Production Systems
- MEM30219 Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade
- MEM30522 Certificate III in Engineering – Technical
- MEM31922 Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
- MEM40119 Certificate IV in Engineering
- MEM50119 Diploma of Engineering – Advanced Trade
- MEM50222 Diploma of Engineering – Technical
- MEM50522 Diploma of Engineering – Materials
- MEM60122 Advanced Diploma of Engineering
Units of Competency:
- MEM24001 Perform basic penetrant testing
- MEM24002 Perform penetrant testing
- MEM24003 Perform basic magnetic particle testing
- MEM24004 Perform magnetic particle testing
- MEM24005 Perform basic eddy current testing
- MEM24006 Perform eddy current testing
- MEM24007 Perform ultrasonic thickness testing
- MEM24008 Perform ultrasonic testing
- MEM24009 Perform basic radiographic testing
- MEM24010 Perform radiographic testing
- MEM24011 Establish non-destructive tests
- MEM24012 Apply metallurgical principles
- MEM24014 Perform thermography tests
- MEM24015 Perform digital and computed radiography
- MEM24016 Perform eddy current array tests
- MEM24017 Perform visual testing to non-destructive testing standards
- MEM24018 Perform advanced ultrasonic testing
- MEM24019 Apply codes and standards to non-destructive testing
- MEM24020 Apply materials technology principles to non-destructive tests
Skill Set:
- MEMSS00002 Non-Destructive Testing – Level 2 NDT practitioner
Timeline
- Jun 23 – Feb 2024: Initial development
- Mar 2024: Public and government consultation
- Apr 2024: Incorporating feedback
- Apr 2024: Senior Officials check
- May 2024: Submit to Assurance Body
- Jun 2024: Skills Ministers endorsement
Ultimately, the main objective of this initiative is to provide the learners and workers in the MEM industry with the most up-to-date non-destructive testing (NDT) skills. By doing so, they will be better equipped to adapt to the ever-changing manufacturing landscape. The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance relies on collaborative efforts and a solid commitment to excellence from stakeholders to achieve this goal.
31 October 2023 MEM Training Package Update
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) has granted an extension to the transition period for nine qualifications within the manufacturing and engineering (MEM) training package.
The qualifications affected by this extension are as follows:
- MEM20413 Certificate II in Engineering Pathways
- MEM30319 Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade
- MEM30405 Certificate III in Engineering – Electrical/Electronic Trade
- MEM30505 Certificate III in Engineering – Technical
- MEM40412 Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting
- MEM50212 Diploma of Engineering – Technical
- MEM50311 Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design
- MEM60112 Advanced Diploma of Engineering
- MEM60211 Advanced Diploma of Jewellery and Object Design
ASQA has revised the transition periods, extending MEM20413 to 31 January 2024 and the remaining eight qualifications to 31 January 2025.
It is crucial to note that this extension exclusively applies to students who commenced their training and assessment on or before 17 December 2023, the former transition end date for all nine qualifications.
Registered training organisations (RTOs) are mandated to ensure that all students complete their training and receive their qualifications by the specified end date of the transition period.
Alternatively, students can transition to a replacement qualification before the conclusion of the extended transition period.
ASQA’s decision to extend the transition period for these nine MEM training products followed thorough consultations with the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and the Training Accreditation Council of Western Australia (TAC WA).
Additionally, ASQA sought valuable insights from the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance Jobs and Skills Council to make informed decisions regarding these transition extensions.
MEM 4.0 Training Package Updates
The latest MEM 4.0 for Manufacturing and Engineering training package is now available on training.gov.au! The latest MEM training package has been updated to version 4.0, replacing version 3.0, which was released on December 19, 2022. The update, made by Innovation and Business Skills Australia, addresses the evolving needs of the industry.
This latest MEM training package update includes the addition of six qualifications and updates to three others, as well as the addition of 28 units and an update to one. The following training updates have been made in the MEM 4.0 release:
Qualifications
| Qualifications | Action |
| MEM50422 – Diploma of Engineering – Non-Destructive Testing | Added |
| MEM50522 – Diploma of Engineering – Materials | Added |
| MEM50622 – Diploma of Engineering – Prototyping | Added |
| MEM50722 – Diploma of Engineering – Planning | Added |
| MEM50822 – Diploma of Applied Technologies | Added |
| MEM60322 – Advanced Diploma of Engineering – Planning | Added |
| MEM30522 – Certificate III in Engineering – Technical | Supersedes and is equivalent to MEM30505 – Certificate III in Engineering – Technical |
| MEM40422 – Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting | Supersedes and is equivalent to MEM40412 – Certificate IV in Engineering Drafting |
| MEM80122 – Graduate Diploma of Engineering | Supersedes and is equivalent to MEM80112 – Graduate Diploma of Engineering |
Units of Competency
| Units | Action |
| MEM234039 – Provide technical support for prototyping in large engineering and fabrication projects | Added |
| MEM234040 – Plan space allocation for large steel based fabrication and construction projects | Added |
| MEM234041 – Manage steel supply for major fabrication projects | Added |
| MEM24014 – Perform thermography tests | Added |
| MEM24015 – Perform digital and computed radiography | Added |
| MEM24016 – Perform eddy current array tests | Added |
| MEM24017 – Perform visual testing to non-destructive testing standards | Added |
| MEM24018 – Perform advanced ultrasonic testing | Added |
| MEM24019 – Apply codes and standards to non-destructive testing | Added |
| MEM24020 – Apply materials technology principles to non-destructive tests | Added |
| MEM29001 – Work in Industry 4.0 | Added |
| MEM29002 – Commission a cyber-physical system | Added |
| MEM29003 – Apply CAD and CAM technologies in an Industry 4.0 workplace | Added |
| MEM29004 – Analyse and problem solve a PLC based industrial control system | Added |
| MEM29005 – Diagnose faults in digital control systems | Added |
| MEM29006 – Use a SCADA system to assist Industry 4.0 operations in manufacturing and engineering | Added |
| MEM29007 – Apply networking technology principles for manufacturing and engineering applications | Added |
| MEM29008 – Analyse and manage data in cloud-based systems | Added |
| MEM29009 – Prepare, configure and test collaborative robots for industrial operations | Added |
| MEM29010 – Plan and implement preventative maintenance procedures in an Industry 4.0 manufacturing workplace | Added |
| MEM29011 – Develop a business case for Industry 4.0 implementation in a workplace | Added |
| MEM29012 – Access and use a digital twin for operational purposes | Added |
| MEM29013 – Integrate sensors into digital manufacturing processes | Added |
| MEM48030 – Apply materials selection analysis techniques | Added |
| MEM48031 – Select ceramic and glass materials for engineering and manufacturing applications | Added |
| MEM48032 – Select composite materials for engineering and manufacturing applications | Added |
| MEM48033 – Apply chemistry principles to materials used in manufacturing and engineering processes | Added |
| MEM48034 – Apply efficient materials management techniques to composite manufacturing operations | Added |
| MEM04031 – Develop and manufacture flat back wood patterns | Updated from release 1 to release 2 |
Keep Your RTO Up to Date with the Latest MEM Training Package Updates
Recent training updates to the MEM training package require RTOs to revise their curriculum and students to take updated courses. Follow these steps to stay in compliance with the changes in version 4.0 of the MEM training package update:
- Revise your RTO’s scope by updating your qualifications and units of competency to include the latest MEM training package.
- Monitor the use of RTO resources during the 12-month transition period to ensure compliance.
- Assist students enrolled in removed units and qualifications to complete their training within the specified period.
- Expand your RTO’s offerings by requesting the inclusion of new, different qualifications and units of competency.
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