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Q. What is the best pathway to a career in Agriculture?
Agriculture is a vital and diverse industry in Australia that produces food, fibre and other products for domestic and global markets. Agriculture also contributes to environmental management, biodiversity conservation and rural development.
There are many possible educational pathways to a career in agriculture for an Australian secondary school student, depending on your interests and goals. Here are some options you may consider:
Vocational education and training (VET):
You can complete a Certificate II, III or IV in Agriculture, Agribusiness Management, Production Horticulture, Rural Operations or Wool Handling through a TAFE or registered training organisation. These qualifications will help you gain practical skills and knowledge in various aspects of agriculture, such as crop and livestock production, farm management, pest and disease control, irrigation and machinery operation.
You can also pursue an apprenticeship or traineeship with an agricultural employer and earn a nationally recognised qualification while working.
Bachelor Degree:
You can study a Bachelor of Agriculture, Bachelor of Agricultural Science or Bachelor of Science (Agricultural Science) degree at a university, which will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific and economic principles of agriculture, as well as the social and environmental issues affecting the industry.
You will also learn how to apply your knowledge to improve agricultural productivity, sustainability and profitability. You may need to complete prerequisite subjects in mathematics, chemistry and biology at Year 12 level or equivalent to be eligible for admission.
Postgraduate degree:
You can further enhance your profile as an agricultural professional by studying a postgraduate degree, such as a Master of Agriculture, Master of Agricultural Science or Doctor of Philosophy (Agricultural Science).
These degrees will allow you to specialise in a specific area of agriculture, such as agronomy, animal science, plant science, soil science or agribusiness. You will also conduct original research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in the field.
Q. What is the best pathway to a career in Defence?
The defence industry and defence forces are vital sectors in Australia that provide security, stability and prosperity for our nation and our allies.
They also offer many career opportunities for secondary school students who are interested in serving their country, developing their skills and working with cutting-edge technology.
There are many possible educational pathways to a career in the defence industry or defence forces for an Australian secondary school student, depending on your interests and goals. Here are some options you may consider:
Defence Industry Pathways Program:
This is a program developed by South Metropolitan TAFE and the Royal Australian Navy in Western Australia, which aims to give school-leavers and others an initial experience in the defence industry through placements with relevant employers.
You can learn about various fields such as engineering, fabrication, electrical, electronics and information technology, and gain a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways upon completion. You can also explore further study and employment opportunities in the defence industry.
Defence Industry Skilling and STEM Support:
This is a strategy developed by the Australian Government to help Australian defence industry to meet its workforce skills requirements over the coming decade.
It focuses on four key areas, engaging, attracting, training and retaining a national defence industry workforce. You can access information about defence industry career opportunities, support for STEM studies and careers, and funding for skills development and training.
Defence & Industry Study Course:
This is an annual course delivered by the Department of Defence for ADF officers, Defence public servants and industry executives. It aims to promote a better understanding and engagement of both Defence and industry in order to improve Australia's defence capability.
You can apply for this course if you have at least five years of experience in a relevant field and are nominated by your employer. You will learn about various aspects of the defence environment, such as policy, strategy, capability development, acquisition, sustainment and operations.
Military academic pathways:
This is a pathway offered by Flinders University for former or current ADF members who want to pursue higher education.
You can use your prior service and qualifications from the ADF as a pathway to a wide range of undergraduate or postgraduate courses at Flinders University. You can also access academic support, scholarships, mentoring and networking opportunities.
Q. What is the best pathway to a career in Cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a crucial and rapidly growing field that protects the information systems and networks of individuals, organisations and governments from cyber threats and attacks.
Cybersecurity professionals are in high demand in Australia and globally, as they play a key role in ensuring the security, privacy and resilience of our digital economy and society.
There are many possible educational pathways to a career in cybersecurity for an Australian secondary school student, depending on your interests and goals. Here are some options you may consider:
High School:
Participate in the Cyber Taipan competition, which is a national cyber security competition for Australian high school students.
Cyber Security Traineeship Program:
A program developed by Microsoft and AustCyber, with the support of MEGT, which aims to support 200 participants entering a cyber career from 2021 to 2024. The program combines formal training with paid, on-the-job experience, and allows participants to earn while they learn.
Cyber security degree in Australia:
This website provides information about various cyber security degrees offered by different universities in Australia. You can compare the courses, fees, entry requirements, duration and outcomes of different cyber security degrees. You can also learn about the PR pathway for cyber security specialists in Australia.
Defence Industry Skilling and STEM Support:
Developed by the Australian Government to help Australian defence industry to meet its workforce skills requirements over the coming decade. It focuses on four key areas: engaging, attracting, training and retaining a national defence industry workforce.
You can access information about defence industry career opportunities, support for STEM studies and careers, and funding for skills development and training.
Q. What is the best pathway to a career in Mining?
Minerals play an important role in the development and provision of batteries, smartphones and medical devices. Silver, for example is used in mirrors, jewellery, medicine, water purification, solar panels and 3D printing while nickel is essential for food processing, guitar strings, coins, marine engineering, electronics and the kitchen sink. And minerals such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, manganese and zinc, graphite and rare earths are crucial to battery performance, magnets and EV motors.
Mining is a diverse and important industry in Australia that offers many career opportunities for secondary school students. Mining engineers are professionals who design, plan and manage mining operations and projects. They work with various types of minerals, such as coal, iron ore, gold, copper and nickel. Here are some possible educational pathways to a career in mining engineering for an Australian secondary school student, depending on your interests and goals:
High School:
QMEA is a highly successful program placing students onto pathways into the resources sector and other science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) industries.
Australia’s largest and most successful industry-led, schools/industry initiative, the Academy’s programs and experiences broaden students’ and teachers’ knowledge of the resources sector and provide a talent pipeline of employees into VET and STEM-related careers, with a strong focus on female and indigenous students.
Vocational education and training (VET):
You can complete a Certificate III or IV in Surface Extraction Operations, Underground Coal Mining, Underground Metalliferous Mining or Surface Operations Management through a TAFE or registered training organisation.
These qualifications will help you gain practical skills and knowledge in mining operations and safety. You can also pursue an apprenticeship or traineeship with a mining employer and earn a nationally recognised qualification while working.
Postgraduate degree:
You can further enhance your profile as a mining engineer by studying a postgraduate degree, such as a Master of Engineering (Mining Engineering), Master of Philosophy (Mining Engineering) or Doctor of Philosophy (Mining Engineering).
These degrees will allow you to specialise in a specific area of mining engineering, such as mine planning, rock mechanics, mineral processing or mine ventilation. You will also conduct original research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a mining engineer do?
Mining Engineers direct the engineering aspects of the mining process. They coordinate the finding and extracting of minerals, petroleum, and natural gas.Duties and tasks
- Conduct preliminary surveys of mineral, petroleum and natural gas deposits
- Prepare operation and project costs and production schedules
- Determine the most suitable methods of ore extraction
- Preparing plans and supervise construction of tunnels and chambers, location and construction of mine shafts
- Prepare technical reports for miners, engineers and managers
- Assess the natural, technical, financial and safety risks of project operations
- Planning and coordinating labour and equipment to meet targets, statutes, safety guidelines and environmental conditions
- Provide solutions to problems related to land reclamation, water and air pollution, and sustainability
NSW mining offers rewarding careers for a whole range of people in high-skilled jobs in mining regions, rural locations and metropolitan areas. That’s because it takes a lot of people in a lot of different jobs to keep our NSW mines working.
There are more than 40,000 people working in mining jobs across NSW. And there are thousands more working in businesses that supply, support, and benefit from our industry.
From chemical engineers and drone pilots to software engineers and lab technicians. Environmental scientists and business analysts to mining engineers, transport operators and safety professionals.
These are the high-value roles that are vital to a strong mining industry in NSW and the economic benefits mining creates.
From SEEK.COM --- How to become a Miner
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Complete a vocational qualification in Surface Extraction Operations, Surface Coal Mining (Open Cut Examiner), Underground Coal Mining, Underground Metalliferous Mining, or Surface Operations Management through a TAFE or registered training organisation.
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Alternatively, you may be able to embark on an apprenticeship or traineeship and gain a nationally recognised qualification while working.If you want to work your way up to become a Mine Manager, consider completing a Diploma level qualification in mining management.
A Mineral Council of Australia website.
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Workforce Australia
workforceaustralia.gov.au Workforce Australia is a place Australians can search and apply for jobs or find more information on their pathway to employment.The website also provides employers and business users a place (WorkforceAustralia.gov.au/businesses) to find candidates, advertise job vacancies, promote their business, find support and more.
Job Outlook
joboutlook.gov.au can help you make decisions about study and training, getting your first job, or the next step in your career. It provides information about Australian careers, labour market trends and employment projections. This website provides more detailed statistical information for the occupations included in the Australian Jobs Occupation Matrix.
Job Jumpstart
jobjumpstart.gov.au website is a one-stop-shop for practical, independent and free employment planning advice.
Skills options
Australian Apprenticeships
australianapprenticeships.gov.au provides information on apprenticeships and traineeships, including factsheets and links.
Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching
qilt.edu.au provides information about Australian universities, including study experiences and employment outcomes.
Your Career
The Your Career website is an Australian Government website and designed to help people of all ages and circumstances better plan and manage their career. It is the Australian Government’s single point of accurate and trusted VET information.
training.gov.au
training.gov.au for information on training packages, qualifications, courses, units of competency and Registered Training Organisations.
National Centre for Vocational Education Research
ncver.edu.au provides research and statistics about Vocational Education and Training and the links between education and the labour market.
myfuture
myfuture.edu.au is an online career exploration service which includes information on a range of career-related topics.