The ultimate guide to a great career

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

Marlee Langfield

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

A. Architectural associate Even the most skilled and experienced architects need the help of an associate to provide additional expertise on projects. Responsible for meeting and gaining clarity around the client’s objectives, an architectural associate also manages and trains entry-level architects, interprets plans and regulations, and prepares preliminary sketches, working drawings and specifications. Average weekly earnings: $1200Thumbs up: NSW is currently undergoing an infrastructure boom.Find work in: architecture, construction and professional scientific and technical services

B. Baker “I believe life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself,” says Morgan Clementson who, as a homeless teenager, never imagined she’d one day end up working for a global bakery company in Europe. Her pathway: a VET apprenticeship, where she learned about much more than just making bread. Average weekly earnings: $990 Thumbs up: there is currently a statewide shortage of bakers in NSW, particularly in small, independent retail patisseries. Find work in: Food and hospitality, small business and food manufacturing.

C. Crop farmer Crop farmers spend lots of time planning and organising in order to produce goods such as grain, cotton, sugar cane, fruit and vegetables for market. Marlee Langford, who completed a Certificate III in Agriculture, says quality is at the heart of everything she does. “I have tried to identify and develop the necessary policies and procedures in the farming business to produce a high quantity and quality of product.”. Average weekly earnings: $800 - $1200

Thumbs up: Over the next four years, employment in this occupation is expected to grow in NSW. Find work in: Agriculture, forestry and fishing, mixed crop and livestock industries.

D. Digital media designer From creating special effects for film to 3D animation for video games, digital media designers are the reason you probably didn’t sleep last night after watching that scary movie. Using film, electronic, digital and other forms of visual and audio media to get their message across, these designers usually work in the film, television, online or advertising industries. Average weekly earnings: $1200 Thumbs up: Over the next four years, employment in this occupation is expected to grow in NSW. Find work in: Creative industries, professional, scientific and technical services, and information media and telecommunications.

E. Electrician There are currently around 39,500 electricians giving NSW its spark - and plenty of demand for more. Mark Hardy combined previous studies at TAFE with a Certificate II in Electrotechnology Electrician Certificate. “The years of practical experience and previous TAFE, combined with that I was learning in my new trade, all seemed to mesh together, giving me a greater understanding,” he says. Average weekly earnings: $1200 - $1400 Thumbs up: The starting salary for a general electrician can be as much as $91,000. Find work in: Construction, electricity, gas, water and waste services, mining and small business.

F. Fitness instructor The demand for health and fitness is on the rise, with almost 11,000 instructors in NSW now following their passion for the industry. Aside from directing, instructing and guiding individuals, fitness instructors also assist groups in the pursuit of good health and wellbeing.Average weekly earnings: $700 - $1200Thumbs up: Trainers have the potential to create positive, lasting change in people’s lives.Find work in: Arts and recreation services and personal training.

G. Gardener Make a career out of your green thumb. From planting to cultivating and construction, gardeners have the skills to create a lush outdoor space. They also inspect, diagnose and treat trees and shrubs in parks to ensure the landscape is in the best condition. Average weekly earnings: $945 - $1200Thumbs up: Employers report a statewide shortage of this occupation in NSW, in particular for qualified, ticketed and experienced arborists. Find work in: Horticulture and landscape design, administrative and support services, construction, public administration and safety. H. Hair stylist They give you incredible hair (and life advice), a great head massage and an awesome blowdry, making hairdressers an important part of your life. Aside from cutting and colouring in the salon, hair stylists can create looks for photo shoots and red carpet events, and work in training and product development. Average weekly earnings: $760 - $1200 Thumbs up: Employers report current statewide shortages in trade qualified and experienced hairdressers. Also, many people work part-time in this occupation.

I. Investment brokerInvestment brokers are the glue that sticks buyers and sellers of investments together. Facilitating the trading of commodities, they also arrange insurance and loans of money on behalf of clients, after assessing their financial status, discussing their options and developing their strategies. Average weekly earnings: $1200 - $1550 Thumbs up: Over the next four years, employment in this occupation is expected to grow in NSW. Find work in: Financial and insurance services.

J. JockeyTurn your athleticism and love of horses into an exciting career. Jockeys are employed by racehorse owners and must work closely with horses and their trainers to ensure they know their strengths when training and racing. When starting out, an apprenticeship under an expert is essential, taking on entry-level responsibilities to understand all aspects of the job. Average weekly earnings: Various Thumbs up: There are currently around 6000 sportspersons working in NSW.Find work in: Sports, arts and recreation services.

K. Kitchenhand Amid the buzz and heat of commercial kitchens, a kitchenhand is an integral part of the cooking, plating and serving process. Assisting chefs to prepare food, a kitchenhand ensures that all food service areas are spotless, all cooking utensils have been cleaned and all ingredients are chopped and ready to be served as part of a delicious meal to be devoured. Average weekly earnings: $875 - $1200Thumbs up: Working as a kitchenhand can be a good introduction to life in the food and hospitality industry.Find work in: Restaurants and hospitality, health care, social assistance, accommodation and food services.

L. Life coach If you’re the friend everyone goes to for advice, it could be time to turn your positive outlook into a high-paying profession. Life coaches encourage individuals to push through personal limits by creating change in their career, relationships or day-to-day life. Creating a supportive environment for these shifts to take place, life coaches also help their client maintain a successful and stress-free lifestyle, dealing with their difficulties to do so. Average weekly earnings: $1200 Thumbs up: Over the next four years, employment in this occupation is expected to grow in NSW. Find work in: Healthcare and social assistance, education and training.

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 The ultimate guide to a great career