This is a campaign to let you know that career choices can be linked positively to your hobbies, interests, talents and strengths. If you consider the things you enjoy doing as recreation and fun, it doesn’t have to end there – there’s more to it than you think! You could find a career that actually combines nicely with your personal interests and learning style.
For example if you’re a hands-on learning kind of person who is analytical and creative, plus you love the outdoors, you may want to consider a career pathway as a chemical engineer working in mining. Why not go for a job that challenges and stimulates you?
The Department of Trade and Economic Development wants to let high school students know that there are great career pathways available in South Australia. This website is promoting these 5 areas:
- Defence
- Advance Manufacturing
- Mining and Resources
- ICT and Electro-technology
- Building and Construction
There is $71.5 billion (that’s a lot of money!) being invested in projects already underway or in the pipeline for SA, and we need a quality workforce to fill the jobs. This means if students study the right subjects, they can get the right jobs.
And there is evidence that if someone studies maths and/or science, they can get more easily into those areas of skill shortages including:
Chemical Engineer
Civil Engineer
Quantity Surveyor
Structural Engineer
Transport Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Electronics Engineer
Electrician
Metal Machinist
Sheetmetal Trades Worker
Welder
Fitter Welder
Civil Engineering Draftsperson and Technician
For more information about skills shortages in SA go to:
http://www.deewr.gov.au/Employment/LMI/SkillShortages/Documents/SkillShortageListSA.pdf
Aren’t there other areas of skills shortages too?
Yes there sure are. Hairdressers, bakers and nurses are also in demand state-wide, but this campaign is focused on the career pathways that are best met by students who stay focused on maths and science. This targeted campaign is being supported by the industries and education providers who we are promoting.
Are you saying if I study maths and science there will be guaranteed work for me?
We can’t promise anybody that they will find a job because you never know how they will present themselves at an interview or if they will go about their job search in the right way. Each person will have their own individual career experiences. What we can say is that when there is a skills shortage, and people are in demand, your chances of well-paid secure work increase significantly.
What if I’m not good at maths and science?
Not everyone is a natural. Some people stick with it because they are focused on the end result. They know it may be tough for a while but the thought of working as a software engineer doing serious gaming (like defence flight simulators) is worth the effort to overcome the study and exam challenges. Another reason some students struggle is because they don’t connect with their teacher or they get lost in one part of maths or science. It’s good to get a bit of career advice from a school careers guidance counsellor or to talk to another knowledgeable teacher about getting additional help. If you really struggle with maths and science and decide its just not your strength at all, do additional career testing and see what else you would be good at. We need all different types to make our world run!
What if I want to find out more about different career pathways in the South Australian industries you mentioned?
In the first instance, check out the videos of our Career Ambassadors. They’re short and informative and you may find a career pathway you had never considered. Have a read of what’s on our website and contact us if you need more information. Monica is a Careers Counsellor and is happy to blog with you.
More good stuff is just one click away! Information is power! Try these links for more job descriptions and career pathway information:
www.myfuture.edu.au
http://www.jobguide.deewr.gov.au/
www.gooduniguide.com.au