Metals & Engineering

Engineering is the design, analysis, and/or construction of works for practical purposes.

Within the metals and engineering industry, you may be involved in activities such as cutting, pressing or casting metal, welding or grinding and working with heavy machinery, computer technology, cabling and mechanical equipment.

It's no surprise that this category cuts across a diverse range of disciplines and fields as these tasks involve both technical problem-solving and manual skills.

DID YOU KNOW?

Engineering trades roles are required in anything from working as a welder on major structures such as ships or bridges, to preparing and installing pyrotechnic displays, through to working as a broadcast engineer for a television network.

According to the Federal Government's Job Outlook, workers in the Engineering Trades have extremely good job prospects.

There is a very high proportion of full-time jobs almost (100 per cent), unemployment is low, there is a very high level of vacancies and earnings are classified as high: 9 out of 10.

Much of this field has also moved with the times and involves computer technology in areas involving computer-aided-design (CAD), machining and digital broadcast engineering.

SPOTLIGHT - What careers are there?

Aircraft maintenance engineers - ensure planes, helicopters and all manner of aircraft are ready to fly. They install, maintain, and repair aircraft engines, airframes, instruments and radio systems. You should have good vision, hand-eye coordination and focus. The engineering divisions of major and small commercial airlines, transportation companies and jet manufacturers offer apprenticeships and exciting career prospects.

Marine Boilermakers - are highly skilled in making and repairing all types of fabricated metal products. Ships, submarines, storage tanks, and boilers are all integral to a boilermaker's work environment.

Sheet metal Fabricators - use a variety of sheet metal materials (steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper etc.) to produce a wide range of complex three-dimensional products. Products commonly constructed can include, boxes, cabinets, ducting and covers.

Sound Engineers - operate technical equipment to amplify, enhance, record, mix or reproduce sound in support of performing arts, and may also assemble and maintain sound equipment. They work in the production and post-production fields of film, television, special effects, radio and staging.

WHERE DO PEOPLE IN THIS INDUSTRY WORK?

• Airports, railways and shipyards
• Automotive, Airline, Train and Ship manufacturers
• Mining, oil and gas companies and related contract firms
• TV, radio, film, live performance venues
• Defence forces
  

 

SOURCES - Job Guide 2007; AiGroup; myfuture.edu.au; SkillsInfo; Wikipedia.