Engineering

Engineers work in a diverse range of industries in Australia, from telecommunications to pharmaceuticals, mining to information technology. Traditionally, engineering has been divided into four broad disciplines: chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical. The profession has changed over time and there are now numerous sub-disciplines and emerging streams of engineering, such as environmental, geomatic, mining and software.

The work

Chemical engineers study the transformation process of raw materials into usable end products.
Civil engineers are involved in the planning, design and construction of the built environment and the physical infrastructure that supports modern society. This encompasses all forms of construction, including bridges, dams, sewerage systems, large buildings, railways and harbours.
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing, constructing and maintaining the systems used for the generation, transmission and utilisation of electricity.
Electronics engineers specialise in the use of electronics, such as those found in computer, communication and telecommunication systems.
Environmental engineers assess and manage the effects of human and other activity on the natural environment.
Mechanical engineers design, organise and manage the construction, operation and maintenance of mechanical equipment and machinery.
Mining engineers specialise in mine development and management, extractive technology, mine reclamation and minerals processing.

Although the numbers employed in mining are relatively small, the sector has experienced exceptionally strong job growth due to the recent mining boom and rapid growth and industrialisation of China and other Asian economies. This has led to a wealth of career opportunities for mining and other engineers.