Design and maintain the machines that keep industries running

If you enjoy figuring out how things work by pulling them apart and putting them back together again, this could be the career for you. As a mechanical production and plant engineer, you’ll design, test, build and maintain equipment and machinery used across industries — from manufacturing and mining to transport and energy. Your work helps keep production lines running, systems efficient and workplaces safe.

For further information:

Department of Primary Industries and Resources, Office of Minerals and Energy Resources
Phone: (08) 8226 0222
Email: pirsa.minerals@saugov.sa.gov.au
Website: www.pir.sa.gov.au

Engineers Australia (SA Division)
Phone: 1300 653 113
Email: sa@engineersaustralia.org.au
Website: www.engineersaustralia.org.au

The South Australian Chamber of Mines and Energy Inc
Phone: (08) 8202 9999
Email: sacome@sacome.org.au
Website: www.sacome.org.au designing, testing, building and maintaining equipment and machinery.

In order for you to have the best possible chance of finding employment it is recommended that you gain the available qualifications.

TAFE SA offers courses relevant to this occupation including the Diploma of Engineering - Technical. Pathway courses include Certificate II in Engineering Pathways and Certificate III in Engineering Technical.

Employment prospects are influenced by the level of activity in the various industries that employ these tradespeople, and the number and size of engineering projects planned and under construction.

Entry to this field can be gained through extensive work experience, although it usually requires the completion of a relevant course in mechanical engineering.

Many people move into this area from the trades. Other useful experience can be gained through working in an engineering workshop, working with machines, or any other work in the engineering industry. 'People often start off as juniors, working in drafting. As they gain more experience, they can undertake vocational training and then progressively move into mechanical engineering technician and associate positions. Often employers are willing to sponsor the vocational training,' says an industry professional. With further study, there is the potential to find work as a professional engineer and in some companies, mechanical engineering technicians and associates can train to become production engineers.

You'll need a sound knowledge of maths and physics, strong problem solving skills and good hand-eye co-ordination. You may be required to work independently or in a team, so it also helps if you enjoy dealing with a variety of people. Mechanical engineering technicians and associates use computers, drawing equipment, hand tools and machines, and may work in factories, offices or on building sites. Work may be indoors or outdoors, and can be noisy and dirty at times. When working with dangerous machinery, protective clothing must be worn. Typically, mechanical engineering technicians and associates work 40 hours a week, although country work may involve extra hours. Travel, between local sites may be required, and with contract work, there may be opportunities for travel overseas.

For mechanical engineering technicians, there is a range of specialities including: boiler testing technicians; hydraulic control technicians; mechanical detail drafters; mechanical engineering drafters; pipe testing technicians; and tool design detail drafters. Mechanical engineering associates may specialise in one of the areas of: mechanical handling (cranes, lifts, conveyors); jig and tool (associated with most manufacturing companies); building services (such as air conditioning, pipe and duct layouts); and consumer products (general domestic appliances).

Job opportunities exist in the architectural and technical and consulting engineering services, as well as the manufacturing, electricity, water and gas industries. Another major area of employment is in engineering drafting.