Manufacturing and engineering
The manufacturing and engineering industries employ a workforce approaching a million people, and it's growing. It is the second largest employer in Australia and amongst the top 20 paying industries.
There are a wide range of sectors and jobs within the industry. Think of all the people who conceive, design, manufacture assemble, install, repair, package and sell manufactured products.
To engineer literally means 'to make things happen'. Engineers convert knowledge of science into technology, and technology into successful innovation.
The industry is experiencing very high demand for skilled workers in traditional occupations, such as electricians, metal machinists and fabricators as well as in areas of emerging technology, such as applied photonics and nanotechnology.
John Rudge from Bathurst was the Most Outstanding Graduating Student for Western Institute in 2008. This award followed from being the category winner for Manufacturing and Engineering. John studied Electrotechnology at Dubbo TAFE College.
Towards a better environment
TAFE Western is committed to training both exisiting tradespeople and apprentices with Green Skills, to ensure they can contribute to more building more environmentally sustainable communities in Western NSW. See our Green Skills pages.
Meet Samuel Baker, an Apprentice Electrician, from Cobar, who with other TAFE students is wiring up a wind generator and solar panels at a recent World Skills Competition.
