Defence and naval shipbuilding
Roles: Mechanical Tradesperson, Fabricator, Systems Maintenance Technician, Hull Fabricator, Defence Equipment Technician
industries and careers
Real careers. Real outcomes.
Engineering trades deliver strong, long-term careers across some of Australia’s most significant industries.
Where graduates work.
Engineered for Excellence graduates work across South Australia’s most significant industries.
These are the sectors actively employing mechanical engineering and fabrication tradespeople right now.
Advanced manufacturing
Roles: CNC Machinist, Precision Engineer, Manufacturing Technician, Maintenance Tradesperson, Automation Technician
Infrastructure and civil construction
Roles: Structural Fabricator, Mechanical Installer, Site Maintenance Tradesperson, Commissioning Technician
Mining and Resources
Roles: Maintenance Tradesperson, Plant Mechanic, Mobile Equipment Technician, Shutdown Tradesperson
Energy and utilities
Roles: Mechanical Maintenance Tradesperson, Fabrication Technician, Plant Maintenance Engineer
Transport and heavy equipment
Roles: Heavy Equipment Tradesperson, Rail Maintenance Technician, Fleet Maintenance Tradesperson
Roles graduates move into
These are the roles Engineered for Excellence graduates are working in across South Australia.
Mech. Engineering trades graduates
1
CNC Machinist
Program and operate computer numerical control machinery to produce precision components to tight tolerances. High demand in advanced manufacturing and defence.
2
Maintenance Technician
Keep industrial machinery and equipment in operational condition across mining, manufacturing and infrastructure. Diagnose faults, carry out repairs and schedule preventive maintenance.
3
Automation Technician
Work with automated and robotic systems in advanced manufacturing environments. Growing role as South Australian industry continues to automate.
4
Defence Equipment Technician
Maintain and service mechanical systems and equipment within the defence sector. Requires security clearance and technical precision.
Fabrication graduates
1
Structural Fabricator
Produce and assemble large structural steel and metal components for construction, shipbuilding and heavy industry. Read technical drawings and work to precise specifications.
2
Boilermaker / Pressure Vessel Fabricator
Fabricate and weld high-specification vessels, tanks and pipework used in resources, energy and industrial applications. Requires precision welding qualifications.
3
Hull Fabricator
Work within South Australia’s naval shipbuilding program, fabricating the structural components that form naval vessels. One of the most significant trade employment opportunities in the state.
4
Welding Specialist
Deliver precision welding across a range of processes — MIG, TIG, stick and structural. Specialist welders are in high demand across shipbuilding, resources and construction.
5
Sheet Metal Worker
Fabricate precision sheet metal components and enclosures for manufacturing, HVAC and construction applications.
There is no ceiling on a trade career
The career progression
Engineering trades offer a structured, well-defined career ladder. Each stage brings increased responsibility, income and opportunity.
01
Pre-apprenticeship
Complete ATEC’s structured training program. Build foundational skills in a real workshop environment. Get matched to an employer.
02
Apprentice
Earn income from day one while completing your nationally recognised trade qualification. Typically three to four years working alongside experienced tradespeople.
03
Qualified Tradesperson
Full trade qualification achieved. Enter the workforce at qualified tradesperson rates. Option to specialise in a sector, process or system.
04
Seniority / Leadership
Lead technical work. Mentor junior tradespeople. Higher earning capacity. There is strong demand for supervisors and project managers.
05
Business Owner
Many experienced tradespeople establish their own contracting businesses, employing other tradespeople and contracting directly to major industry clients.
Your outcome starts here
The roles on this page are available to people who take the first step.
Register your interest with ATEC and we’ll help you find the right pathway into a career in engineering trades.