17 Mar 2016

Engineering is fast becoming one of the most popular career options for young school leavers and there are plenty of reasons why. A career in engineering provides diverse specialisations and career options across a broad range of industries. There are even 40 different types of Engineering degrees offered at Australian universities–unbelievable right?

It’s often not until you start your  degree that you realise what options are available to you. The major engineering specialisations in Australia can be arranged into five different fields, which we have broken down for you so that you can get an idea of the career paths available.

1. Mechanical Engineering

Arguably the broadest of all engineering degrees, mechanical engineering involves the design of mechanical systems to aid industries such as manufacturing, aeronautics, nanotechnology and nuclear power production, heating and cooling.

2. Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineering involves the study of energy in forms such as electrical, hydro and natural sources (wind and solar energy). Designs will be structured for electronic equipment, communications systems, vehicles, power grids and more.

3. Civil Engineering

This field of engineering involves the development of infrastructure such as buildings, railways, road construction and bridges. Civil engineering is found in a huge range of different industries, from the highest skyscrapers to–literally–the depths of the sea. In Marine Engineering, for example, you’re involved in developing, designing and maintaining boats, ships, oilrigs and other marine vessels.

4. Geotechnical Engineering

As the name suggests, this discipline is concerned with rock and soil. Geotechnical engineers design dams, foundations, retaining walls, tunnels and a multitude of other structures interacting with the subsoil, both on and offshore.

5. Chemical Engineering

Think chemistry in high school–using chemical reactions to solve problems. This field of engineering involves the creation of new products such as cosmetics, food, pharmaceuticals, beverages and cleaners from raw chemicals. At university it’s known to be one of the most challenging degrees.

If you’re looking for a career in engineering, one of your best options is the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The ADF have a range of roles available in different engineering fields, including Aeronautical, Electronics and Marine Engineering.

The ADF provides the perfect opportunity for engineering graduates, as you’ll be heading straight into a job that is secure, well paid and allows for career progression.  However there are different methods of entry and job opportunities available across the Navy, Army and Air Force. These include graduate positions, as well as the Defence University Sponsorship (DUS) for current engineering students and the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) where you can start your engineering degree and career in the ADF fresh out of high school.

For more information about engineering in the ADF and the requirements for each method of entry visit the defencejobs.gov.au  or call 13 19 01.