If you’re effective at working under pressure, love solving problems and have great interpersonal and team building skills, then a job in the diverse engineering and electrotechnology sector can set you up for a lucrative, challenging, and rewarding career.

Careers in this industry includes the design, maintenance, installation and repair of all electrical and electronic equipment stretching across a wide range of industries including mining, manufacturing, ICT, and communications. In Australia, the electrotechnology industry alone generated over $85 billion in revenue, between 2016 and 2017, and it is predicted to have strong growth for the future.

So if you’ve ever considered a career in engineering or electrotechnology – be a bright spark and enrol in a TAFE NSW course.

Spotlight on a strong industry

Occupations within this sector experienced strong growth in employment levels between the years 2000 and 2018, with further growth forecast until 2023. Roles that are predicted to be in high demand in this industry include:

• electricians
• air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics
• electronics trades workers
• electrical engineering draftspersons and technicians
• telecommunications trades workers

Spotlight on salaries: Maintenance Planner

Maintenance planners develop maintenance planning strategies, then schedule, coordinate and monitor the maintenance of all plant equipment in both the public and private sector.

Maintenance planner average salary: $103,340
Maintenance planner pathway course: Diploma of Engineering - Technical (Mechatronics)

Spotlight on current skills shortages: Be in demand

For those wanting a stable, in demand career, engineering and electrotechnology offers just that. Currently employers are unable to fill (or have great difficulty in filling) many roles across the sector, including 70% of advertised metal fitters and machinists jobs, 60% of structural steel and welding trades workers roles, and 55% of air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics vacancies.

However, even with a great demand for skilled workers, there are still ways you can make yourself stand out from the crowd. In addition to the specific technical skills needed for each role, employers in the sector are increasingly looking for a range of base line skills, such as:

• communication skills
• planning skills
• detail-oriented skills
• problem solving skills
• computer literacy skills

Your career pathway

TAFE NSW offers a variety of courses that can lead to a lucrative and fulfilling career in Engineering and Electrotechnology. Taught by teachers who are experts in their field, you’ll learn the latest skills and techniques used in the sector, meaning you’ll graduate with job ready skills and knowledge.

TAFE NSW has Bachelor Degree options in this career area

TAFE NSW Degrees are taught by industry experts in dynamic, progressive learning environments. You don't need an ATAR, but you will graduate with a qualification that will change your future.

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