Transport

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The transport industry underpins Australian business, carrying people and commodities across the country and around the world. With over 905,000km of roads, 33,000km of rail and 60,000km of coastline, this is a significant task. Emerging technologies such as robotics and automation are changing the way we work, and employers need adaptable people with skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is a diverse and rewarding industry to be involved in, and you’ll be amazed at the career choices available to you.

Contribution to the Australian economy

Transport

Industry Value

$72.1 billion

Gross value added

People Employed

587,000

People employed in the sector

Business Trading

133,148

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 transport industry is a vital part of the Australian economy. We need to get passengers and freight all around our immense country and beyond. Skilled operators drive our trains, service our trucks, guide our ships and manage our airports, while logistics specialists make sure our products and parcels arrive intact and on-time. 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.


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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 transport industry.


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Metro Trains Melbourne

“What we’re really proud of is that we’ve changed in some instances the perception of vocational education in our business.”

Industry: Transport (Rail)

Employees: 5,000

Metro Trains Melbourne (Metro) has managed Melbourne’s busy metropolitan rail network since 2009. Committed to aligning job-specific training with the VET sector, the organisation created Metro Academy, a dedicated learning and development department. The Academy provides training to all of the organisation’s employees, and its facilities include a simulated track and signal area that was built and wired by Metro’s own electrical apprentices.

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Brenden’s Story

“An Australian school based apprenticeship is a really good start into the industry.”

VET Qualification: Certificate III in Motorcycle Mechanical Technology

Career: Motorcycle Mechanic

Brenden secured his school-based apprenticeship through the Yamaha Student Grand Prix Partnership, which was created to address the skill shortage of experienced technicians in the marine and motorcycle industry. Brenden volunteered to promote the value of school-based apprenticeships, because he wanted people to know there are career paths equally as good as university.

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Sarah’s Story

“I always want to be doing something interesting and just continuing that path of learning.”

VET Qualification: Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician

Career: Electrical Fitter Mechanic (Aurizon)

Believing university was her only option after school, Sarah initially started a degree as an early childhood teacher, only to realise it wasn’t for her. Looking for a career that sounded interesting and matched her willingness to learn, Sarah signed up for an electrotechnology apprenticeship with Aurizon, Australia’s largest rail freight operator. She has now started a Bachelor of Engineering.

Skills for your Career

My Skills will help you find the right course to ignite your career in the transport 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 ‘mechanic’ or ‘driver’:

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Careers in Demand

A number of skilled occupations are currently in shortage in the automotive repair and maintenance sector. 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 in-demand 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

Road transport is the largest employing sector in the industry. If you’re interested in a career in the transport industry, 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 (Aviation, Maritime, Rail, Transport and Logistics, Automotive).



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 Industry Standards

A government-funded not-for-profit organisation that develops skills standards across a range of Australian industries.

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Aviation Aerospace Australia

The national association for the Australian avaiation and aerospace industries.

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Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development

Is responsible for the design and implementation of the Australian Government's infrastructure, transport and regional development policies and programmes.

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National Transport Commission

An independent statutory body that contributes to the achievement of national transport policy objectives by developing regulatory and operational reform of road, rail and intermodal transport.

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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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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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