CAREERS
TERM 3, 2021
withSTEM
™
APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINEESHIPS
Make the switch: moving from real estate to mining p5 Find the most popular STEM VET courses p8
electrician
CAREERS with STEM.COM >CREATIVITY < >CULTURE + MINING < >EDUCATION + HEALTH< >+WELLBEING < >WELLBEING < >SPACE + < PATHWAYS >BUSINESS< ENGINEERING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Make your trade in mining. Australia’s mining industry provides great opportunities to secure highly skilled, highly paid trade jobs. Our world-class mining workforce is supported by the industry’s commitment to safe, sustainable and responsible minerals extraction and processing. Learn more at: minerals.org.au/careers
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UPFRONT
G N I N I A R T O T N GET I Wo
apprenticeship or traine ndering what’s involved in an
U
e, but niversity is great for som ineeships apprenticeships and tra worlds. combine the best of both working You get to study at TA FE on certificate ati fic towards a VET quali e-job, learning (see p8), and work on-th e cases, som and earning a wage. In ver your co the government will even training fees. Winning! n 500 Plus, there are more tha prenticeships occupations that offer ap huge number and traineeships, and a lds. of them are in STEM fie
Same, same but differentn an
ee The main difference betw ineeship is the apprenticeship and a tra e. A time they take to complet o-two e-t on lly ua us traineeship is business, in rs ree ca years and covers prenticeships retail and childcare. Ap l be qualified take four years and you’l or electrical. for a trade like plumbing nager Ma Paul Bennett, General m gra at of the apprenticeship pro ploment MEGT (a not-for-profit em e interested organisation), says if you’r
eship? Here’s the lowdown... Looking for more info? Check out Careers with STEM’s alternate pathways section: bit.ly/CwSVET
in an apprenticeship do your research. “Talk to as many people as possible about what the job entai ls. The first few years involve very entry -level duties.”
Find your way
If committing to four ye ars scares you, don’t stress. Pre-appren ticeships are short training courses tha t can give you an idea of what the job’s actually like and might give you a leg up in applying for an apprenti ceship. Still at school? Australian Schoolbased Apprenticeships let you start vocational training in the last few years of school, while als o getting on-the-job experience. Looking for an even bigger challenge? “Higher apprenticeships” allow you to complete a diploma or advanced diploma rather than a cer tificate-level course. – Chloe Walker
i learn best when i'm actually doing something rather than just reading it out of a book”
Paul bennett gm of megt apprenticeship program
Study paths What is VET? VET stands for Vocational Education and Training. Its aim is to partner with industries and the government to equip people with workplace skills and technical knowledge to help them start out in their dream career (or advance in it).
Why VET? You get the skills quickly with hands-on experience and it’s a cost-effective way to nab qualifications before heading into the workforce. According to training.com.au, “Bachelor degrees can often cost over $30,000, while TAFE and VET courses are usually much cheaper.”
Where can I study VET? TAFE and privately operated training providers or colleges.
Fishy business You never know where an apprenticeship might take you... rivers of Lucas O’Sullivan, it’s on the or diesel mechanic apprentice m, fixing boat on Aquaculture’s salmon far Tasmania. Lucas works at Hu erwater. ent that cleans the nets und engines and robotic equipm te fibre optics and ica del to g from hydraulics hin ryt eve ut abo d rne lea e “I’v something, best when I’m actually doing rn lea “I s. say he rk,” wo l electrica basics of a book. It’s best to learn the rather than just reading it out Walker oe Chl g is a breeze after that.” – thoroughly and then everythin
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lucas o'sullivan diesel mechanic apprentice
Light Vehicle Apprentice, Mercedes Benz
Bushwalking Tour Leader, Tahune Adventures
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Diesel Mechanic Apprentice, Huon Aquaculture Group
APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINEESHIPS
VET+ENGINEERING
+ MINING + HEALTH + INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY + PATHWAYS
n o i t u l o v e g n i r e e n An engi
. t there are in demandring ge to s se ur co e Th r? Want to be an enginee e non-uni pathways to a career in enginee th ck pa un We Big time.
Engineering an technology are goindg to play a huge role in the future workforce ”
Electrician, BHP
Electrical Apprentice, BHP
Electrical Apprentice , Alsanto Constructi ons
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christina webb
Digital Engineering Apprentice, SAGE Au tomation
E
arly every ngineering is a part of ne a majority se sen s industry, so it make – we’re ses ur co of STEM-related VET oss acr e ak t int talking the second bigges er Ov . too eering, Australia – are in engin in rk stralia wo 18,000 apprentices in Au and submarine compan t some of their bu g, rin y ASC hires metal and enginee u. electrical, mechanical an yo ise rpr su t gh mi ies alt d fabrication eci sp ap pre tal nti ces me th at wi mi ng d-y rki ea r. Wo Locksmithing, jewellery and machinery is part manufacturing, watchma of many engineering king and ion cat repair and refrigeration bri Fa s. hip apprentices and air all conditioning are all tradit trade apprenticeships are ional ng ini ch ma apprenticeship pathway d an about welding s within engineering, too. metal. If assembling, d an g tin New trades are also manufacturing, tes more is s em ine erging, such as the digita ch ma ing ain int ma l de tra l ica en an gin ch eering apprenticeships me a , ng thi your for you. which took off in South apprenticeship could be Australia o als thi ple s year. Participants in the eo sp de tra l Electrica se higher apprenticeships lea You could gineering en l start out as apprentices. rn ita ab dig out Industry 4.0 skills like au ings, work e tic en pr tom ap install the wiring in build ati on and robotics, and big data wh cture underground ile studying towards with electrical infrastru es a Diploma of Applied Te ctronic devic chnologies and or overhead, or repair ele t Lif . wo ces rking with engineers in an pli ap d an rs ute mp co s, industry. TV e lik trade via ir the rn lea o als ics an mech Future focus ctrotechnolog y. the Certificate III in Ele Christina Webb had one apprenticeship under her belt before em ? me ke ta it n barking on a digital Where ca engineering apprentices n become a motor hip with SAGE If you’re into cars, you ca Automation, because sh u can go even bigger. e wanted to learn vehicle mechanic, but yo more about automation and ships or even processes. What about planes, boats in es lin “Engineering and techn air jor ma the of l Al s? ne ology are going to ari bm su play a huge role in the fut hip pathways to ces nti pre ap er off a ure ali workforce,” she Austr says. Now, Christina is lea ce engineers an en int ma ft cra air ng rn ing how to create becomi electrical schematics using computer-aided design programs. She wa s also involved with a project installing sensor s in parks and public spaces in Adelaide to mo nit or water efficiency. The Aussie govern m “It’s been great to be activ ent has an nounced ely involved a massive injection in real-world engineerin into wage subsid ies g pro jects,” for bosses to create an she says. “I’ve already lea ex tra 100,000 rned so much.” apprenticeships over – Chloe Walker the next 12 month s. Time to get amongs t it!
$1.5 BILLION
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
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+ HEALTH + INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY + PATHWAYS + ENGINEERING
VET+MINING
Mining a solid future If you have a sense of adventure and enjoy doing technical work, an apprenticeship in mining and resources could be for you to offer he resources sector has a lot ustry ind The te. an apprentice gradua s for arie sal t dishes out one of the bigges with up you Australian industry jobs, loads at t ts a sho in-demand skills and presen h 150 wit – lia tra Aus seeing more of from in ose cho to s tion different occupa serious an me we ne, alo Western Australia travel opportunities! names The good news is, all of the big minco Bar and in mining like BHP, Rio Tinto – and have highly structured – in dem ula h reg r apprenticeship programs wit hired 26 intakes. Last year Alcoa only licants, but apprentices out of 1699 app renticeships app new 0 BHP announced 350 ing 2500 over the next five years, includ y. for their FutureFit Academ
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AFL player, Greater Western Sydney
Apprentices in mining and res ources often work with heavy machi nery in maintenance, parts fitting and electrical roles and with billions of projec ts in the pipeline there are always job s to fill. Damian Williams is a second -year electrical apprentice with gas pipeline builders APA Group in Darwin . “I’ve been to stations and communities I would have never dreamed of visiting. I’ve also been on two helicopter flights, experie nces that I’ll cherish forever,” he says. – Chl oe Walker
damian williams electrical apprentic e
I’ve been to stations and communities I would have never dreamed of visiting” Electrical Apprentice, AKON
Electrical Apprentice, APA Group
VET+MINERALS COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA
Build up your skills G
lencore’s Queensland Metals business operates copper and zinc sites across Mount Isa, Cloncurry and Townsville, pro viding work for 4790 people. Their metals apprentice ship program has 169 apprentices, with 25 of them on track to complete dual trades.
bonnie anderson electrician
Shifting gears
Bonnie Anderson had worke d for four years in real estate but was “itching to get out from behind the desk to do something handson. Not many females go down the trade path but my dad has a dual trade and I have family who are tra despeople,” she says. After completing a Certificate III in Electrotechnology through TAF E Queensland North and Queensland Metal’s Mount Isa Mines, she now works as a fully qualified electrician with the Fixed Plant Maintenance tea m at Mount Isa Mines. “I intend to complete a dual trade in instrumentation and build on my competencies to be a more accomplished tradesperson,” she says. – Astha Singh Mines Electrician, Glencore Mount Isa
trician, TAFE Queensland Cert III, Electrotechnology Elec
Find out more: bit.ly/glencore-pathways 5
APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINEESHIPS
VET+HEALTH
+ MINING + HEALTH + INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY + PATHWAYS
A healthy career Healthcare is the BIGGEST employer in Australia. Here’s how to fast track your path into healthcare with a traineeship START YOUR CAREER HER E
VET+Health study Diploma of
Nursing, TAFE NSW Certificate III in Dental Assistin g, Open College Certificate III in s Individual Health Care Pa Support (Aged Care), thways Australia
VET+Health jobs Dental assista nt
: $40K–$60K sistant: $40K–$ 61K Aged care work er: $42K–$61K* *Source: salaries according to pa yscale Laboratory as
raelene collins
nursing student industry employs id you know that the health in Australia? the largest number of people in healthcare. And Over 1.8 million people work versity to become while you do need to go to uni lth specialist, there a doctor, surgeon or other hea ortunities for people are plenty of interesting opp wellbeing arena. with VET qualifications in the about “In my traineeship I learned ia affects the microbiology and how bacter Collins, a Kuku human body,” says Raelene n, who completed Yalanji and Garawirrta woma y Skills at the a Cer tificate III in Laborator earch in Dar win in Res Menzies School of Health lth messages to 2019. “I also got to deliver hea es and local remote and rural communiti erience.” schools. It was an amazing exp traineeship Raelene’s commitment to her Aboriginal and saw her take out the gong for t of the Year. Torres Strait Islander Studen
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I learned about microbiology and how bacteria affects the human body”
Laboratory Skills Traineeship, Menzies School of Health Research
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
for a health-related Nearly 2000 people sign up ld start your traineeship each year. You cou rmacy pha or g career as a dental, nursin ples. If you're sam ogy assistant, or collect pathol ted ple a Diploma of in Victoria, once you’ve com ome an enrolled Nursing you can go on to bec too. nurse through a traineeship, other opportunities re the l pita Beyond the hos d care as well. in fields like disability and age t five years, Considering that over the pas tor has increased sec lth employment in the hea es more chances tim by almost 20% there’s five lth. – Chloe Walker of nabbing a cool career in hea
Laboratory Technician, Menzies School of Health Research
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Bachelor of Nursing, Charles Darwin University
+ PATHWAYS + ENGINEERING + MINING + HEALTH
Tech’s big boom
VET+INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
START YOUR CAREER HER E
VET+IT stud y
Certificate IV in Information Te chnology, TAFE (see your state) Certificate I, II or III in and Technology Information, Digital Media , Charles Darwin University Diploma of Da tabase Design and Developm ent, Training.gov.au
Information technology (IT) skills are IN DEMAND and there are some big-name opportunities out there for apprentice and trainee graduates
VET+IT jobs
Computer tech nician: $38K–$ 66K User support te chnician: $43K –$73K Systems admin istrator: $51K–$ 90K* *Source: salaries according to pa yscale.com
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I
alia will need an n just a few years, Austr the information extra 100,000 workers in (ICT) field to and computer technology d according to fill the skill shortage. An job ads just keep a recent SEEK report, the of jobs to fill. It’s increasing. That’s A LOT who can help trainees and apprentices a cool career close the gap – and nab in the country. pretty much anywhere ip Program The Microsoft Traineesh over 100 ced pla d launched in 2019 an dney, Sy in rs trainees with employe Canberra, Adelaide and ar. Melbourne in its first ye s ard tow rk Trainees wo a Certificate IV in Information Technolog y while getting real-life experience. They also get to do some of Microsoft’s latest cloud computing certifications. Alicia Munt was one in of the first participants ed ish fin Canberra, and d her traineeships at the en the e of 2020. “I could tak ss skills I was learning in cla day ery ev and apply them to my
Alicia munt IT co nsultant
I could take the skills I was learning in class and apply them to my everyday work” Team Member, Woolworths
Sales Assistant, Sanity
work. It also helped me build a network of likeminded people,” she say s. Other big programs includ e Accenture’s cyber secur ity traineeships in Adelaide , and digital higher apprentices hips. These let you study a dip loma-level course while working in IT in the public ser vice, at consulting fir ms like PwC or in specialist businesses across Australia. “It was a great way to sta rt my career in IT,” says Alicia. – Chloe Walker
Microsoft Trainee, oobe
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Associate Consultant, oobe
APPRENTICESHIPS & TRAINEESHIPS
+ ENGINEERING + MINING + HEALTH + INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Go your own way
Discover paths into apprentic eships in IT, health, mining, engineering + more!
ENGINEERING
HEALTH Here’s just a few paths into Healthcare...
IT Here’s just a few paths into Digital Technologies and Cyber Security... >> Advanced Diploma of Information Technology Project Management >> Certificate IV in Cyber Security >> Certificate I, II or III in Information, Digital Media and Technology >> Certificate IV in Information Technology >> Certificate IV in Screen and Media (Interactive Media) >> Certificate IV in Spatial Information Services >> Diploma of Database Design and Development >> Diploma of Information Technology >> Diploma of Information Technology Networking >> Statement of Attainment in Introduction to 3D Printing and Design >> Statement of Attainment in Introduction to Robotics and Coding
Also check out Australian Government Digital Transformation Agency – Digital Apprenticeships: bit.ly/GovDTA_ Apprenticeships
CAREERSwithSTEM.com
>> Certificate IV in Ageing Support >> Certificate IV in Fitness >> Certificate III in Health Administration >> Certificate IV in Leisure and Health >> Certificate IV in Medical Practice Assisting >> Diploma of Mental Health >> Diploma of Nursing >> Diploma of Practice Management >> Diploma of Work Health and Safety >> Statement of Attainment in Medical Records Coding
Also check out Health Industry – Australian Apprenticeship Pathways: bit.ly/HealthAustAppship
Here’s just a few paths into Engineering... >> Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical) >> Certificate II in Aeroskills >> Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade >> Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade >> Certificate II in Engineering – Production Technology >> Certificate IV in Maritime Operations >> Diploma of Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering >> Diploma of Electronics and Communications Engineering >> Diploma of Engineering – Advanced Trade >> Diploma of Engineering – Technical >> Undergraduate Certificate in Renewable Energy Engineering
MINING
Also check out
Here’s just a few paths into Resources & Mining...
Become an engineering apprentice: AGA Apprenticeships Plus: bit.ly/AGAEngApp Australian Apprenticeship Pathways – Manufacturing and Engineering: bit.ly/AAPathMan_Eng
>> Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations >> Certificate II in Drilling Operations >> Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician >> Certificate III in Mobile Plant Technology >> Certificate III in Underground Coal Operations
Also check out My Skills Construction & Mining: bit.ly/MySkillsCon_Min
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OTHER STEM
Visit Careers with STEM’s vocational education and training pathways page for more info on STEM apprenticeships, traineeships, study options and to read about other people’s paths into STEM careers. bit.ly/CwSVETApp
Flip for engineering
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VET+PATHWAYS