Student Guides: How To Become An Metals & Engineering Apprentice

Wanting a career in the Metals and Engineering 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?

Engineering is the design, anaylsis and/or construction of works for practical purposes.

Within the metals and engineering industry, you may be involved in activities such as cutting, pressing or casting metal, welding or grinding and working with heavy machinery, computer technology, cabling and mechanical equipment.

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?

Electronic Engineering associates can earn on avarage, $1071 per week. Mechanical, Production and Plant engineers can earn around $1380 a week. Metallurgists and Mine deputies can earn $1150 per week. Metal Fitters and Machinists can earn around $1000 a week.

The best part of the job?

"The creativity, coupled with the strong demand on my problem solving skills, in order to complete a piece," says Dikran Manjian , jewellry designer, who specialises in custom-made wedding rings.

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 Metals and Engineering Industry. We visited SeaWorld recently, and had a chat to James Esson , who started as the rides Operations Manager - but has snce had a hand in designing the mechanics of some of the rides!

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 Metals and Engineering jobs .

Job Guide lists loads of jobs in Metals and Engineering.

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 Metals and Engineering!

RailCorp Apprenticeships - http://www.railcorp.info/careers/apprenticeships

Association of Consulting Engineers- http://www.acea.com.au/

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