Student Guides: How To Become A Manufacturing Apprentice

Wanna make your career in the Manufacturing Industry? But you don’t really know where to start? We've pulled together a guide of what's in an apprenticeship, how to get one and what the best part of getting involved in the industry!

What’s involved in this industry?

Manufacturing is the physical or chemical transformation of materials and components into new, finished products whether the work is done by hand or by machine.

The main areas of manufacturing can be broken down to:

• Food manufacturing
• Textiles, Clothing, Footwear and Leather
• Metals
• Printing and paper
• Furniture and Cabinet making
• Machinery and equipment
• Petroleum, Coal, Chemical and associated products

What is an apprenticeship?

Australian Apprenticeships is the title that covers both apprenticeships and traineeships. Australian Apprenticeships are jobs that combine paid work and structured training.

With an Australian Apprenticeship you spend time in paid employment, learning practical skills on-the-job and putting them into practice.

Structured training can be done either on-the-job or off-the-job training at a TAFE or another Registered Training Organisation (RTO), depending on the industry you are in. At the end of it, you can get a nationally recognised qualification.

How long does it go for?
Apprenticeships generally last between thirty six to forty eight months. Traineeships generally take between twelve to twenty four months to complete.

How much do I get paid as an apprentice?
Employers are governed by the National Training Wage Award System. To see how much you are entitled to earn as a trainee, call the Australian Workplace Authority . How much you can earn can depend on things including how much education or training you already have, or a competency-based wage.
Wages could also depend on your age.

How much do I get paid when I’m qualified?

Metal Production Assistants can look at earning around $700 per week. Product Assemblers earn around $650 per week. Food Processing Workers, on average, earn around $730. Boat Builders usually earn around $600 per week.

The best part of the job?

"Running a company where every single day is different. It is always a challenge and always interesting. You are always stretched both mentally and physically." says Tiny Good. Imagine a job were you get to soar above the MCG on a wire system during the Olympics or hang from the walls of the Telstra Dome while Robbie Williams performs below. Tiny is doing exactly that as a senior production rigger.

Anything else cool to know about?

Looking for inspiration? Check out some Podcasts chatting to apprentices about how they felt entering their apprenticeship.

SkillsOne has loads of short clips about apprentices in the Manufacturing industry. We chat to one apprentice, Rhoda Bushe, who retrained from being a Bank Manager, to be a Metal Fabricator. She shares with us what she loves about the manufacturing industry!

Trying to narrow down exactly what you want to do?

Several sites have Career Profiles and statistics about the jobs within the Manufacturing industry that you might want to enter.

Check out:

My Future, which lists loads of Manufacturing Profiles and an industry snapshot.

Job Guide lists loads of jobs in Manufacturing.

Job Search has a listing of statistics about the industry - including job prospects and pay.

And SkillsOne, of course, has loads of Career Profiles.

Links to people who know how to make a successful career in Manufacturing!

Zoom Careers In Manufacturing - http://www.zoom.aigroup.asn.au/

Make It! - http://www.makeit.net.au/

Manufacturing Skills Australia - http://www.mskills.com.au/

The Australia Electrical and Electronic Manufacturers' Association - http://www.aeema.asn.au

Australian Manufacturing Technology Industry Limited - http://www.amtil.com.au/

[Sourced from: Skills Tasmania, Job Juice, Job Guide, Job Search, SkillsOne, My Career, Australian Apprenticeships, My Career.]