'I've always liked the hands-on stuff at home and in school - I enjoy finding ways to make things work better.'
Advanced manufacturing is simply an understated name for an industry that is really dynamic, creative and can take you anywhere. Whether or not you're hands-on, this fast growing sector in South Australia creates some really high-tech, precision products for specialist needs all around the world
As technology evolves and new products and services continue to be developed new roles and specialisations will be needed. That's just what makes this industry so good for careers - you've got so much choice - a range of careers, from aerospace, cars, electronics and defence to bioscience medicine and renewable energy - to name just a few!
Here's a sample of what's involved in advanced manufacturing and some current roles:
Engineering
If you're interested in solving problems and developing the tools to get things done, engineering could be for you. Advanced manufacturing needs to have good processes, product design and testing. Engineering is all about building or developing structurally sound, useful tools, machines and equipment for people to use every day and achieve manufacturing success.
Typical careers: aerospace engineers; mechanical engineers; research & development; biochemical engineers; mechatronic engineers; industrial engineers; manufacturing engineers.
Technical
Technical development in advanced manufacturing requires a solid understanding of the purpose of systems and products, how products produced are likely to be used and the general safety of operation.
Typical careers: production planners; design; scheduling.
Production
Production is exactly what it sounds like: making or processing things. And that can be anything from microchips, right up to large ships for the navy. There's a lot of scope here to find something you're interested in! Each job in manufacturing is highly specific to the purpose, so this is an industry where you can really become a specialist.
Typical careers: mechanical engineers; lean manufacturing specialists; machinists; fitters; turners; mechanics; drafts persons; Tool designers; tool planners; production planners.
Trade
Want to make things happen? Trades in advanced manufacturing include people who use a range of skills and knowledge to make, repair and maintain all the parts of the bigger picture. By bringing everything together and making it work these jobs are not only important - they're fundamental. Nothing else would get built without them.
Typical careers: fitters; aircraft maintenance engineers; metal fabricators; welders; cabinetmakers; carpenters; machinists.
Where can I get more information?
There are lots of companies working in the advanced manufacturing industry in SA:
You can also visit the
Make It website to find out more about
starting out in Advanced manufacturing and
examples of jobs available.
Need some inspiration?
Check out
Katrina's experience of the advanced manufacturing industry.