Science & Technology

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Australia’s science and technology industry covers a diverse group of technical occupations in specialised areas such as animal care, laboratory technology, information technology and telecommunications technology. This is an exciting industry to be involved in, and you’ll be amazed at the career choices available to you.

If you would like to explore computer system design, check out the design industry page.

Contribution to the Australian economy

Science & Technology

Industry Value

$52.7 billion

Gross value added

People Employed

319,856

People employed in the sector

Business Trading

60,572

Businesses trading in the sector

* Statistics sourced from Australian Bureau of Statistics and Australian Government Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources. For more information, please refer to the Statistics Explained page.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO SUCCEED. Real Skills for Real Careers



Sectors & Occupations

The science and technology industry is a key part of the Australian economy. Highly skilled technicians test our food, care for our pets, secure our networks and install our broadband services. Many of these people gained their practical skills through ‘real life’ vocational education and training (VET) courses.

Check out a sample of the most popular occupations in each sector. Click on them for more information.


Want to view courses related to this Industry?
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Apprenticeships & Traineeships

Australian Apprenticeships (apprenticeships and traineeships) are an important part of VET. Gaining a VET qualification through an Australian Apprenticeship gives you the opportunity to train, study and earn an income at a variety of qualification levels in most occupations. Australian Apprenticeships combine time at work with training, and can be full-time, part-time or school-based.

Search Apprenticeship & Traineeship Courses in this Industry

Career Stories

VET delivers outstanding employment results for its graduates – watch the following stories and see for yourself. You will be amazed at the career pathways that a VET qualification can unlock for you in the science and technology industry.


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James’ Story

“Honestly, it’s the best thing he could have done.”

VET Qualification: Certificate III in Information, Digital Media and Technology

Career: Student

Interviewed alongside his mother, James is a Year 12 student with an interest in computers and electronics. He was excited to discover that his school could offer a VET course specific to his interests, and that he would be able to earn credits towards his VCE.

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Saadat's Story

"The nationally recognised qualification broadened my skills and gave me the financial means to support my family while we started our lives again."

VET Qualification: Certificate III in Telecommunications

Career: Network Designer

Saadat Iqbal has completed a Certificate III in Telecommunications majoring in Telecommunications Design and a Certificate IV in Telecommunications (Network Design). After migrating to Australia a few years ago, Saadat realised a traineeship was the best option for him as a mature-age student to develop the necessary skills to advance his career.

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Joshua’s Story

“I feel there’s a lot of pressure for mainly young school kids doing year twelve to go to university straight away but there’s a lot more pathways out there.”

VET Qualification: Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques

Career: Process Chemist

Joshua’s plans to study chemical engineering at university were deferred when he decided to gain some practical knowledge first. Enrolling in a Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques and completing the theory component in the first year, he then enrolled in (and completed) a Diploma of Chemistry.

Skills for your Career

My Skills can help you find the right course to ignite your career in the science and technology industry. You can search for VET courses and compare information such as fees, durations, graduate satisfaction, job prospects and available subsidies.

There are a number of different ways to search for VET courses on My Skills.


Course Search

Search for keywords in course titles, such as ‘surveyor’ or ‘web developer’:

Local Providers

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Careers in Demand

A number of skilled occupations are currently in shortage in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. These jobs are in demand across Australia, so there’s a good chance of ongoing employment when you complete your training. If you want to set yourself up for a rewarding career, check out the following jobs and the VET courses that will give you the practical skills you need to gain employment in them.

Data is sourced from the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment.



Growth Areas

Computer system design and related services is the largest employing sector in the industry. If you’re interested in a career in telecommunications, the following VET courses are worth considering, because they will prepare you for work in areas where employment is expected to grow over the next three years.

Data has been sourced from the Australian Government Department of Education, Skills and Employment and SSO/IRC Industry Skills Forecasts (Laboratory Operations, Information Communication and Technology, Animal Care Management).



Resources

With so much information about careers, it’s hard to know where to start or where to look.
Here are a few sites you may find useful once you’ve found the right VET course and training provider on My Skills.


Australian Communications and Media Authority

Is a statutory authority within the federal government portfolio of Communications and the Arts.

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Australian Computer Society

The professional association and peak body representing Australia’s ICT sector.

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National Innovation and Science Agenda

An Australian Government initiative that will drive smart ideas that create business growth, local jobs and global success.

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Skills for Australia

A Skills Service Organisation established by the Commonwealth Government to support Industry Reference Committees in their work to develop modern and relevant training packages.

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Skills Impact

The national Skills Service Organisation, funded by the Australian Government, to support the operation of Industry Reference Committees.

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The Australian Industry and Skills Committee (AISC)

Provides leadership and guidance to the VET system, bringing a strong industry-based perspective which will enhance responsiveness, quality & relevance within the sector.

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