Lake Tuggeranong College LEARN – THRIVE - CONNECT

Metal Products A/M

Working with metal has fascinated people for centuries. Metal forming processes have advanced significantly in recent times and have enabled the creation of objects which have changed the world forever. These processes are now able to be experienced by students through the development of metal fabrication projects which provide an understanding of metal properties and construction techniques. The considerable time devoted to the practical skills in this course makes it an ideal choice for students who are looking for a unique practical learning environment.

Rationale Why would you do this course? Working with metal is an enjoyable activity which more students need to experience! Being able to apply metal fabricating processes to create projects with a student design input is a major emphasis in the course. The range of fundamental skills employed in the metal fabrication industry readily engage students in their course work. There is a current skills shortage in the metal trade areas as evidenced by the inclusion of Metal Fabricator and Welder in the National Skills Needs list. There is a federal government push for apprenticeships using the skills learnt during this course. Beyond the classroom, this subject offers you: • Pathways to metal trades: boiler maker/metal fabricator • Skills that are interlinked between other trades: construction, plumber, electrician • Basic handyman skills Learner dispositions What type of person usually studies this course? Learners who would study this course typically achieve a satisfaction from being able to create practical objects using techniques such as welding, machining, plasma cutting, sheet metal forming and more. Learners in this area like to take on a challenge and create designed solutions which can be realised in a practical way. Learners who study this subject will often go on to work in any number of trade related careers. Readiness What courses or previous experience would make a student ready to study this subject at LTC? There aren’t any prerequisite skills required to undertake a Metal Products unit of study. Students typically enjoy being able to create projects using a range of metal fabrication techniques and develop skills which are useful for home projects or to establish a pathway to becoming a skilled tradesperson. A course for students who enjoy working with their hands and are interested in bringing their ideas to life using a range of metal-based materials.

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Lake Tuggeranong College LEARN – THRIVE - CONNECT

Content and Assessment Overview In Year 11, students will learn elementary skills in metalworking in combination with more advanced techniques for those who have previous experience from other courses. Skills covered in the Year 11 metalwork program include marking out and basic hand and power tool use. The MIG welder will be introduced during the first unit through the construction of a decorative dice and F-Clamp. The second semester will focus on the construction of a sheet metal project with students learning correct marking out, cutting, folding and joining procedures for sheet metal.

In Year 12, students will continue their exploration of the MIG welder through its application on a range of materials of varying thicknesses. Students will also learn the fundamentals of plasma cutting with the incorporation of a design of their choice to be cut. In the second semester students will explore the capabilities of the metal lathe. Students have the opportunity to focus on their own project design which will be completed in the final semester.

Unit Breakdown and Course Pattern

Year 11: Unit 1 Working with Metal Unit 2 Techniques in Working with Metal

Year 12: Unit 3 Creating a Design Brief or Plan Unit 4 Metal Project

Unit 1: Working with Metal

Students learn workshop procedures using metal including being able to work safely with metal and alloy products, using and naming selected tools and materials correctly. Students learn to apply selected tools and machinery to follow a given design to complete projects. Other skills such as following instructions, seeking help and recording processes as well as strategies to solve problems are part of the unit. Unit 4: Metal Project Unit 2: Techniques in Working with Metal Students create a project from a design brief or modify Students learn to work safely with sheet metal products an existing design to meet a need. Students learn to and the tools and equipment associated with light manage the fabrication of a project. They consider the fabrication. Students follow a given design in the choice of appropriate materials and techniques, the fabrication of a sheet metal product. project timeline and the economic use of materials.

Unit 3: Creating a Design Brief or Plan Types of assessment items:

Students learn the fundamentals of working safely with • Practical work is the significant focus gas and high voltage welding. Students learn to use a • Related Theory Components range of metal work tools such as welding, braising, • Practical exam tasks soldering and thermal cutting to follow a given design to • Design work associated with practical tasks complete projects.

For more information, visit the BSSS website, speak to the SLC of Technology, or visit the LTC website: http://www.ltc.act.edu.au/Learning/unit_outlines

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