Part two: the ultimate guide to a great career

LAND your dream job and open the door to a wonderful career with our A-Z guide to great jobs on offer through vocational education and training (VET). 

In part two, we start with motorcycle mechanic and end on zookeeper…

1. Motorcycle mechanic

Enrolling in a schools-based apprenticeship was, “one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” says Brenden Williamson, the 2015 NSW Training Awards School Based Apprentice / Trainee of the Year winner. Brenden completed a Certificate III in Automotive – Motorcycle Mechanical Technology. “I was able to learn mechanics while exploring my love for motorbikes,” he says.

Average weekly earnings: $1000 – $1200

Career prospects: Qualified and experienced motorcycle mechanics are currently in demand across NSW.

Find work in: Small business, the automotive repair and maintenance industry, transport, postal and warehousing, and retail.

1. Nursing clinical director

You don’t need to be medically trained to carve out a rewarding and well-paid career in the health and welfare services sector – there are plenty of opportunities in management and administration. A nursing clinical director is responsible for the overall direction and management of a health and welfare service or facility. Put your excellent communication and organisational skills to use!

Average weekly earnings: $1200 – $1515

Career prospects: Employment in this occupation is expected to grow in NSW over the next four years.

Find work in: Health care and social assistance.

1. Operating theatre technician

A vital part of the surgery process, operating theatre technicians support health professionals and the patients under their care. Day-to-day responsibilities include the use of anaesthetic, cardiac, operating theatre and medical testing equipment. Technicians also perform and assist with laboratory tests and fill prescriptions.

Average weekly earnings: $980 – $1200

Career prospects: There are currently around 8000 medical technicians working in NSW.

Find work in: Health care and social assistance.

1. Photographer

In an era of digital platforms and social media, images are king. Photographers use their eye for light and composition, along with their technical abilities with a camera, to create compelling still-life and animated images about people, places, events or things. Follow your passion into fashion, lifestyle, wedding or commercial photography.

Average weekly earnings: $1096 – $1692

Career prospects: The creative sector is one of Australia’s fastest-growing industries.

Find work in: Creative, professional, scientific and technical services.

1. Real estate agent

Skilled real estate agents turn their knowledge of property and local markets – and their love of a good chat – into tangible sales. Beyond selling, real estate agents can also lease and manage commercial and private properties, provide clients with administration support and monitor non-compliance of tenants, making them a vital link between clients, tenants, builders, conveyancers and valuers.

Average weekly earnings: $1065 – $1200

Career prospects: Employment in this occupation is expected to remain stable across NSW.

1. Stonemason

Artisan crafts like stonemasonry are making a comeback – and young women like Amba Groeneveld are proving that trades are no longer just for men. “The work I produce is proof that a female is capable,” says the 2014 NSW Training Awards Women in Non Traditional Trades winner. Stonemasons create structures and buildings using earth and stone, with their work integral to the design and function of a space. Amba completed a Certificate III in Stonemasonry.

Average weekly earnings: $1200

Career prospects: Suitable qualified stonemasons are in demand across NSW.

Find work in: Construction, horticulture and landscaping, small business.

1. Teacher’s Aide

If you love kids – be they preschool, primary school or high school age – and are thinking of pursuing a career in education, becoming a teacher’s aide could be a great start. Helping to make our classrooms more positive and inclusive, a teacher’s aide performs duties to assist teaching staff and provide care and supervision for students with specific needs. They can also provide home-school liaison and counselling support.

Average weekly earnings: $862 – $1200

Career prospects: There are currently almost 18,000 teacher’s aides working in NSW.

Find work in: Education and training.

1. Umpire

Every ardent sports fan knows the importance of an umpire’s call. Officiating sporting events and matches, umpires maintain the standards of play to ensure all teams abide by the rules. Their detailed understanding of a sport can also pave the way for qualified umpires to become fantastic coaches and officials.

Average weekly earnings: $1200 – $1613

Career prospects: At the elite level, umpires can enjoy an international career.

Find work in: Sports, education and training, arts and recreation services.

1. Vineyard worker

Australian wine is world-renowned and workers in the viticulture and hospitality industries are passionate as a rule. Working to distinct seasons, including a busy harvest starting in late summer, vineyard workers help to plant and maintain grapevines, and assist in the production and packaging of wine.

Average weekly earnings: $800 – $1200

Career prospects: Over the next four years, employment in this occupation is expected to grow in NSW.

Find work in: Agriculture, hospitality, forestry and fishing.

1. Web master

Turn your love of online systems and surfing the net into a viable long-term career. Web masters are essentially support technicians in the information and communication technology (ICT) field, and work to build and maintain computer infrastructure, manage content and upgrades on websites, and diagnose and resolve technical problems.

Average weekly earnings: $1200

Career prospects: Over the next four years, employment in this occupation is expected to grow in NSW.

Find work in: Information media telecommunications, professional and technical services, education and training, public administration and safety.

1. Excavator operator

Preparing the ground for a new building requires the use of heavy construction machinery – and a skilled hand who can operate these metal giants. Excavators dig, break and move earth, rock and other heavy materials, and operators must be able to drive and manoeuvre the machine, and change and maintain its working parts. An understanding of drawings, markers and verbal instructions is also key.

Average weekly earnings: $1200

Career prospects: NSW is currently undergoing an infrastructure boom, with shortages in many skilled trades.

Find work in: Construction and mining.

1. Youth worker

If your dream is to help kids who haven’t had the best start in life, this career could be for you. Youth workers provide information and advice to young clients on emotional, financial, recreational, health, housing and other social welfare matters. More than that, they let those who are struggling know that someone cares. Other duties can include evaluating and coordinating the services of welfare and community service agencies.

Average weekly earnings: $1200

Career prospects: Over the next four years, employment in this occupation is expected to grow in NSW.

Find work in: Healthcare and social assistance, public administration and safety.

1. Zookeeper

There isn’t a kid in the world that hasn’t imagined working with giraffes, elephants and lions. Qualified zookeepers are trained to care for captive animals, many of whom are living far away from their native regions. The health, diet and wellbeing of the animals are daily priorities, as are educating and interacting with other staff and members of the public.

Average weekly earnings: $690 – $1152

Career prospects: Over the next few years, employment in this occupation is expected to remain steady.

Find work in: Facilities including zoos, animal theme parks, aviaries, butterfly zoos and reptile centres.

VET offers possibilities for these careers and more, providing qualifications in demand by employers and opening doors to well-paid jobs. With a multitude of education pathways, VET provides a range of flexible options to start and grow your career. For more information, visit vet.nsw.gov.au

Originally published as Part two: the ultimate guide to a great career