The manufacturing industry is a diverse and challenging one with great career potential, leading many students to pursue manufacturing subjects at TAFE and university. Working in manufacturing, engineering and design allow you to work on exciting projects - here's how to get started on your manufacturing studies.
Manufacturing technology is at the core of Australian innovation and represents great potential for future growth. By developing advanced manufacturing skills, you can position yourself at the forefront of the manufacturing industry, contributing to Australian production.
Through a manufacturing course, you can choose to specialise in any given area of the manufacturing industry. You will develop the practical and theoretical knowledge needed to become highly employable and productive.
The course content of your manufacturing subject will vary depending on your specialisation. Typically you will cover concepts around warehousing operations, logistics, CAD drawings and sustainable work practices. You will come away with a strong grasp of manufacturing processes and a knowledge of producing high-quality goods for export or to enrich the local market.
There are a number of study options to choose from, ranging from short courses to full-time degrees. A Certificate III is usually the bare minimum for entering the manufacturing industry, although a Certificate IV or higher is advised. Some popular specialisations within manufacturing include Process Manufacturing, Competitive Systems and Practices, Process Plant Operations and Process Plant Technology.
Traineeships and apprenticeships are also part and parcel of manufacturing courses, allowing you to gain real-world knowledge. You may wish to choose from a number of online courses, or take face to face classes in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane or throughout Australia.
From a full-time degree to a variety of short courses, there are a number of ways you can enter or upskill within manufacturing. When it comes to entry requirements, typically a satisfactory high school score is all that is needed. Some study options to consider include:
Studying manufacturing allows you to enter a number of different industries such as food manufacturing, lean manufacturing, manufacturing engineering, digital manufacturing and car manufacturing. Many of these industries are expecting to see massive growth in the future, with manufacturing technology being readily accepted by the Australian industry. This represents fantastic job security for those with the right qualifications. Some of the roles available to you include:
