Engineering and technology - VET study in engineering and technology
VET study in engineering and technology
Employment rate
89.4% of 2006 Engineering and Related Technologies graduates found employment after completing their studies
Graduate views of course experience
88.3% of Engineering and Related Technologies graduates were satisfied with the overall quality of training
(Source: National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) Student Outcomes Survey 2007)
Careers for VET engineering and technology graduates
Many VET courses in this field prepare students for a range of auxiliary and paraprofessional careers, such as ‘engineering associate’ or ‘engineering technicians’ in various specialisations. Many courses earn students Engineers Australia’s accreditation as ‘Engineering Officer’.
This is a broad and ever-expanding field with great employment opportunities in the face of worsening skills shortages.
Courses and specialisations
A great range of VET courses are available in the engineering and technology field. Courses are available at all qualification levels (certificate I, II, III and IV, diploma and advanced diploma) in a broad range of the more traditional disciplines, as well as some newer, emerging specialisations.
Getting in
VET courses in this field are very accessible. Specific entry requirements obviously depend on the qualification, and the particular course and institution. Generally speaking, however, certificate courses will require Year 12, and may assume knowledge in maths and science. Entry to diploma and advanced diploma courses may require completion of a prior certificate course in the same field.
Where to study
Courses in this field are widely available throughout the country at campuses in both metropolitan and regional areas.
What to look for in a course
Many of the courses in this field involve knowledge and expertise with complex systems and technology. It’s a good idea to therefore check both access to the latest technology and equipment, and opportunities for practical work experience.
Pathways
There are many opportunities in this field to articulate both between VET courses and from VET to university study. In some cases, completion of diploma or advanced diploma courses can lead to eligibility for entry to bachelor degrees at university. It pays to do your research and check with individual providers what the articulation options are for the particular courses that interest you.
Case study
Students who have completed the Advanced Diploma of Civil Engineering (Structural Design) at the Gold Coast Institute of TAFE, may be eligible for entry and advanced standing in related university degrees, such as the Bachelor of Engineering at Griffith University.
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