Manufacturing

Manufacturing is the process of transforming base components into commercial and industrial products. It is a huge and diverse sector, consisting of a wide variety of industries. Manufacturing includes machinery and equipment production, the making of food, beverages and tobacco products, and printing, publishing and recorded media. It also includes chemical and pharmaceutical production, the making of paper and packaging products and building materials, and the automotive industry.

The work

Manufacturing has a relatively low concentration of employees with degrees. However, the sheer size of the sector means that it is still a significant employer of graduates from certain disciplines, particularly Engineering, Information Technology, Industrial Design and Accountancy.

In recent years, Australian manufacturing has moved into the production and export of ‘elaborately transformed manufactures’ (ETMs), partly because of increased competition from overseas producers in labour-intensive manufacturing industries, such as textiles, clothing and footwear, and also because of the higher value and profits associated with more sophisticated products. The ETMs sector includes medical, telecommunications, office and electronic equipment, along with complex, industry-specific machinery.

This shift towards complex products requires skilled workers in all facets of the manufacturing process, including design, production, engineering, information technology and management.

Lifestyle factors

Graduates interested in this sector should be aware that while financial remuneration can be excellent, long and irregular hours are common.

In some occupational areas the availability of work may fluctuate considerably.

What you need

Depending on the area you work in, you will need a degree in Engineering, IT, Industrial Design, Accountancy or other relevant disciplines. To work in the industrial design field you will require: creative problem-solving skills; artistic flair; a strong ability to comprehend mechanical concepts; good numeracy skills; and strong verbal communication skills. Strong computer skills are also required in many occupations with the increasing use of Computer-aided Design (CAD).

Job growth prospects in this field are predicted to be good because of the demand for more skilled input into the design and manufacturing process.

Money Matters - salary ranges for selected occupations in the sector:

  • Food Manufacturer: $38-53,500
  • Machinery/Equipment Manufacturer: $40-52,100
  • Chemical Product Manufacturer: $39-50,000.

-- Figures from Australian Graduate Survey 2007, GCA. Ranges refer to the middle 50 per cent of salaries for bachelor degree graduates with permanent residency, in full-time employment in Australia in 2007.

Industry at a glance:

  • 87% of jobs are full-time
  • 74% male workforce
  • 3.5% fall in employment, last five years
  • 1 million employed by sector.

-- www.skillsinfo.gov.au; Australian Jobs 2008, DEEWR.