The automotive field is more than just being a mechanic. Today the industry has a diverse range of high-tech, innovative and rapidly changing workplaces and occupations that include mechanics, auto electricians, spray painters or body repairers.

It is also an industry that has its sights set on producing and maintaining vehicles and components that produce less pollution and our carbon footprint.

There are also chances to work on testing and repairing heavy vehicles, diesel engines and light vehicles. So if being a revhead means tinkering with engines or painting cars the automotive sector may be just the thing.

Possible career paths: Light and heavy vehicle mechanics
Industries include: mining, aviation, manufacturing or defence.

Building and construction is a very diverse sector. This a sector for those who like to be on the move as you may work on projects (jobs) at a number of different job sites. The range is massive – both in the types of projects you can work in (residential housing through to commercial buildings) and in the types of materials you can work with (wood, steel or even concrete just to name a few).

There are many trade disciplines that work in building and construction such as carpentry (installing and finiashing), roofing putting roofs on housing or plastering fixing the internal linings of commercial or domestic buildings.

Possible career paths: Bricklaying, Carpentry, Plumbing, Roofing, Plastering
Industries include: anything that needs something built!

Cooking is one of those great trade careers where you can take it with you as you see the world. But succeeding in commercial cookery is more than TV chefs. It has become very sophisticated and professional in recent years. Apart from a passion for food, you’ll learn people skills, team work and good time management – all skills you’ll need to succeed in this industry.

You may like to specialize with occupations such as Baker, Chef, Cook or be a Pastrycook. Commercial cookery is at the heart of the thriving and expanding hospitality and tourism industry and has great job prospects for those with a passion!

Possible career paths: Baker, chef, cook, pastrycook, caterer
Industries include: hospitality, tourism

Provided in partnership with TAFE SA.

Electrotechnology is at the foundation of everyday life – lights, television, DVDs, computer games, MP3s or security systems just to name a few. As new gadgets hit the market the more this sector needs new enthusiastic, trained workers to help it keep up with al the new technologies and the demand.

There is a range of trades under the electrotechnology banner: 

• Electricians who install and maintain electrical and electronic equipment for industry and domestic purposes
• Electrical fitter where you apply electrical knowledge to make fit or repair machines of all shapes and sizes
• Refrigeration mechanics looking at applying electrical know-how to installing and repairing refrigeration and air-conditioning systems in shops, factories, office buildings homes or hospitals.
• Installing security cameras or installing sophisticated data systems in a high profile data or security field.

Possible career paths: Electrical fitter, Electrician, Electrical Linesperson, Instrument fitter, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic 

Industries include: mining, aviation, manufacturing or defence.

Does your child like working with metal? they can get into all sorts of trade occupations and industries sectors that you may not have even dreamed of - and it’s more than just working in a workshop. Careers in metals and engineering may mean coming up with the ideas and conceiving engineering designs, manufacturing or assembly.

Another option could be the fabrication engineering path – cutting, shaping, joining and finishing metal to make, maintain or repair metal products or structures. Alternatively, they may want to pursue a mechanical engineering path career where they can carry out mechanical work on machines, sub assemblies and manufactured parts.

Possible career paths: Boilermaker, Fitter, Metal Machinist, Sheet metal worker, Toolmaker, Welder