What Do Engineers Do?

Engineers are trained in a wide range of technical knowledge, of which, depending on the type of engineering, can include anything from physics, mathematics and chemistry through to mechanics, electrotechnology and IT.

Daily tasks can involve analysing chemical properties for a new product; designing infrastructure for maximum structural integrity, or even creating prototypes of new computer software. Administrative duties are typically seen as well, such as meeting with clients, inspecting detailed plans, and brainstorming ideas with other team members.

Engineering in Australia

There are roughly 300,000 professional engineers currently working in Australia where the majority of whom work in the following sectors;

  • Electrical engineering
  • Civil engineering
  • Mechanical engineering
  • Chemical engineering
  • Sound engineering
  • Biomedical engineering
  • Mining engineering
  • Software engineering
  • Aerospace engineering

The Path to Engineering

To be a successful engineer the right training and qualifications are essential; after all, your day-to-day decisions can have a serious impact . Furthermore, industry bodies such as Engineers Australia require that engineers meet strict educational standards to become nationally registered.

Before choosing an area of engineering to specialise in keep in mind that some will have more job opportunities than others. Civil engineering jobs in Australia are predicted to grow by to 60,500 in the next three years, while electrical engineering jobs are expected to increase to 18,300 over the same period. The average rate of pay for Australian engineers is currently $129,786 per year.

Engineering Courses

Whether you’re a high school student planning the next step in your educational journey, a professional in another field looking for a new challenge, or have an engineering degree already and wish to upskill, you’ve come to the right place.

TAFE advertises a wide range of in-class and online engineering training options that are designed, taught and reviewed by industry professionals; these include software, chemical and civil engineering programs right through to aerospace and electrical engineering courses.

Certificate

If you’ve got your heart set on an engineering apprenticeship program, Certificate courses provide the perfect introduction, as they cover everything you need to know about what to expect and how to make the most of an engineering apprenticeship. A Certificate in Engineering will cover a range of areas, including welding, computer-aided design, fabrication and erecting sound structures. The length of the course can vary, with some Certificate I and II courses taking a matter of months, but Certificate IV courses taking up to a year to complete.

Diploma

Diploma level courses are another great option as they lay the foundation for a successful career as an engineering associate and can be completed in 12-18 months. these cover engineering practices in greater detail, including elements of design, manufacturing, automation, and using computer systems for mathematical calculations. As this is a very hands- on subject, it often requires work placement opportunities at this level of engineering courses, so studnets can gain a highly- detailed range of knowledge and training.  A diploma will also often be required as part of the engineering prerequisites for higher level programs, such as the widely respected Bachelor of Engineering.

Bachelor Degree

Bachelor level courses will usually involve at least three years of full-time study and include a specific focus or major, such as chemical, civil or mechanical engineering. Aside from all the technical knowledge, you’ll obtain, modern Bachelor of Engineering programs also cover topics such as environmental responsibility, social and economic factors, and even teaching skills.

Those interested in advancing into management engineering roles will need to build upon their education further by taking a postgraduate engineering course. While the traditional route has been to study a Masters of Engineering, many institutions now offer dedicated Engineering Management Degree programs as well.

The Future of Engineering

As one of Australia’s oldest professions, engineering is a great choice for those interested in long-term job security; after all, high-level problem-solving skills are unlikely to go out of style anytime soon. However, this is an industry that’s undergoing significant change now due to advancements in technology, so upgrading your skills regularly and staying up-to-date with the latest industry software is vital.

So, are you ready to join the ranks of one of Australia’s most highly respected professions? If so, getting started is easy. Browse through our selection of TAFE engineering courses to find one that suits your needs and start your career in engineering today!