Career Options
There are four roles that WECA actively promotes, on behalf of its members.
Engineering Technician
Engineering technicians have a solid grounding in practical skill and an understanding of theoretical engineering principles. In their day-to-day roles they'll plan, design, interact with clients, work with
tools and materials, create and build products.
The career path for engineering technicians is diverse, in roles including project management, engineering supervision, management and design. Engineering technicians are often responsible for daily operations of engineering organisations and move into management and ownership roles.
The qualification for this role is National Diploma in Engineering – Mechanical Engineering Level 6. This programme of study is accessed through polytechs and is 2-3 years study, depending on the delivery of the programme.
Maintenance and diagnostics engineers maintain, modify, install and make equipment for engineering and manufacturing industries.
A maintenance and diagnostics engineer can become qualified through an apprenticeship, enabling them to ‘earn while they learn’ and avoid student debt.
The qualification for this role is National Certificate in Maintenance & Diagnostics in Mechanical Engineering Level 4 with career pathway options extending to Level 5, Level 6 and Level 7.
This role has two key areas: machining and toolmaking. Machining involves setting and operating machinery that is often computer controlled; for milling, turning, drilling and precision work. Toolmaking involves precision engineering to create tools often used for plastics and metal engineering and manufacturing operations.
A machining and toolmaking engineer can become qualified through an apprenticeship, enabling them to ‘earn while they learn’ and avoid student debt.
The qualification for this role is National Certificate in Engineering Machining & Toolmaking Level 4 with career pathway options extending to Level 5 National Certificate, Level 6 Diploma and Level 7 Degree.
Fabrication engineers work with metals, including light and heavy metals (light fabrication; heavy fabrication). Fabrication engineers design, develop, cut, form, shape, weld and join metals to create products.
A fabrication engineer can become qualified through an apprenticeship, enabling them to ‘earn while they learn’ and avoid student debt.
The qualification for this role is National Certificate in Engineering - Fabrication Level 4 with optional strands in Heavy, Light and Welding Fabrication.
