A career in manufacturing, engineering, and logistics will open the door to make new discoveries, solve problems, and make a practical difference to the world.
With new and continued advancements in technology the potential for growth in this industry is high. The sector is made up of a range of skilled jobs, where you will find something to suit just about everyone. You would be joining a high demand industry where countless jobs are available, ensuring a stable career path.
A job in this sector may be suitable for you if you are….
- Interested in making things work
- Interested in improving existing things in the world around you
- Skilled with your hands
- Passionate about the environment
- Able to think outside the box
- Comfortable using science and technology
- Interested in operating vehicles and specialised equipment
- Have good time management
- Enjoy planning and working efficiently
MANUFACTURING
Manufacturing is all about designing and making stuff. A lot of stuff. Pretty much all stuff at some point, or another has been manufactured! From something so little as a pen, to toys, chairs, and even planes, all of these went through a manufacturing process to end up in our hands as a physical product.
Manufacturing blends technology and innovation and requires your creativity and problem solving to do so. This means that people working in this sector have the chance to work on cutting-edge projects and improve the future of production. Manufacturers are always looking to do better, asking why, and working to create more efficient, sustainable, and reliable methods.
Manufacturing jobs may be for you if you are interested in:
- Wood, metals, textiles, chemicals or other materials
- Making or processing food and beverages
- Using technology to develop and monitor production
- Working with your hands
- Managing and planning production
Manufacturing is a bit like a team sport, so having the ability to collaborate with others is going to make you a perfect fit for this industry. Whether you are creative, a problem solver, or a natural born leader, you will thrive in this environment if you are ready to challenge the status quo.
As this industry looks to adapt, there is endless opportunities for you to make a difference and drive change. This sector has a high demand for skilled workers and provides competitive salaries and diverse career paths.
Getting your start in manufacturing can look like…
- Machine operators
- Process workers
- Quality inspector
- Maintenance technician
- Production supervisor
- Logistics co-ordinator
- Production planner
- Tool and die maker
- Process technician
- Material handler
- CNC Machinist
With the right attitude, you will have opportunities progress into a career in management, engineering, business ownership, entrepreneurship…
Watch now
Check out our FutureForce Interviews with young people working in this sector
DID YOU KNOW?
The manufacturing sector employs more than 25,000 people in the Waikato Region. This vital sector largely services on-farm engineering requirements, transportation, food processing and packaging. In the year ending March 2018, Manufacturing contributed over $2.3 billion dollars to Waikato GDP (mbie.govt.nz).
To learn more about advanced manufacturing and all the innovation involved, check out ……. (link to smarter futures Advanced manufacturing page)
ENGINEERING
Engineers are problem solvers – they apply technical and practical knowledge to solve real world problems and find new opportunities to improve the world around us.
The engineering industry is growing at an incredible pace and there is a critical demand for locally trained professionals. Your career in engineering may begin through a university degree or an apprenticeship “earn as you learn” opportunity with one of the many Waikato employers.
MECHANICAL
Mechanical Engineers undertake design, development and maintenance of mechanical systems. There tasks including welding, bending, cutting or shaping light and heavy steel, including stainless, carbon or mild steel, aluminium and galvanised sheet. They build special purpose machines or engage in precision tool making design and product development.
CIVIL
Civil Engineering is all about shaping the infrastructures around us, ensuring these are safe and functional. A civil engineer’s role is to design, plan, organise and oversee the building of structures such as dams, bridges, gas and water supply systems, sewerage systems and roads.
ELECTRICAL
Electrical Engineers specify, design and supervise the construction of systems and equipment that produce, distribute and/or use electricity. They also maintain, operate and manage these systems and equipment.
MECHATRONICS
Mechatronics Engineers combine mechanical, electronic and electrical engineering systems, alongside computer science, robotics and other technological disciplines, to create innovative and smart solutions. In Waikato mechatronics technology is useful for high-value food production (e.g. dairy) and forestry, as well as high-value manufacturing and infrastructure upgrade. Job examples include system engineer, computer-aided engineer, robotics engineer, automation engineer or product design and development.
WATER
Water engineering is a specialised area within civil and environmental engineering that focuses on the managing and using water sources effectively. These engineers aim to ensure availability of clean water for drinking and industrial use, as well as manage where wastewater and stormwater end up.
ENVIRONMENTAL
Environmental engineering is a branch of engineering focused around protecting and improving the environment. It involves designing systems and processes to minimise pollution, manage waste and promote sustainability.
QUALIFICATIONS
Whether you are looking to study at the University of Waikato or Wintec, qualification options include…
WINTEC
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology
- Graduate Diploma in Engineering Technology
- Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)
- Mechanical Engineering (Level 5)
- Electrical Engineering (Level 3)
- NZ Certificate in Manufacturing (Level 3)
UNIVERSITY OF WAIKATO
- Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (BE(Hons)
- Diploma in Engineering Management (Dip EM)
VISION COLLEGE
- NZ Certificate in Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)
Job and Pay Examples
| JOB | PAY PER YEAR | OPPORTUNITIES | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical Engineer | $100K | Good | |
| Civil Engineering Technician | $50K to $110K | Good | |
| Civil Engineer | $90K to $110K | Good | |
| Electrical Engineer | $77K to $210K | Good | |
| Electronics Engineer | $100K | Good | |
| Engineering Machinist | $44K to $103K | Good | |
| Environmental Engineer | $65K to $140K | Good | |
| Fabrication Engineer | $60K to $80K+ | Average | |
| Fire Engineer | $70K to $180K | Good | |
| Importer/Exporter | $47K to $75K | Average | |
| Mechanical Engineer | $85K to $105K | Good | |
| Mechanical Engineering Technician | $48K to $140K | Good | |
| Production Manager | $80K to $150K | Average | |
| Refrigeration/Air conditioning Technician | $50K to $95K | Good | |
| Welder | $60K to $125K | Good |
| JOB | PAY PER HOUR | OPPORTUNITIES |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive Electrician | $32 to $45 | Good |
| Automotive Refinisher | $23 to $38 | Good |
| Automotive Technician | $25 to $45 | Good |
| Bus Driver | $27 to $30 | Good |
| Delivery Driver | $23 to $25 | Good |
| Electrical Engineering Technician | $23 to $43 | Good |
| Forklift Operator | $23 to $24 | Good |
| Furniture Packer/Mover | $23 to $26 | Good |
| Heavy Truck Driver | $23 to $45 | Good |
| Metal Worker | $23 to $29 | Poor |
| Plastics Technician | $23 to $34 | Good |
| Plastics Worker | $23 to $25 | Average |
| Roadmarker | $23 to $40 | Average |
| Tow Truck Operator | $23 to $35 | Good |
*Rates are based on full time work and are an indication only.
Source: careers.govt.nz
TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS
Transport and logistics careers play a vital role in the New Zealand economy and there is a shortage of talent. Consequently, there is a drive for greater diversity of age and gender within companies. Candidates with suitable driving licences are in high demand, especially moving up the licensing chain to Class 5 (heavy combination vehicle).
Transport employs 108,000 people across New Zealand, 4% of the total workforce (mbie.govt.nz). In Waikato alone more then 7,400 people are employed within the transport industry. The new Waikato freight hub and Ruakura superhub have driven this growth immensely.
Watch now
Check out our FutureForce Interviews with young people working in this sector
The Waikato region covers a large geographical area and encompasses several nationally important sectors. Our regional land transport system plays an important role in supporting the diverse transport needs of the region for our people and for the regional and national economy (waikatoregion.govt.nz).
The best thing you can do to start your freight and logistics career (and in fact a great kickstart to all potential careers) is to get your driver’s license as soon as possible (when you turn 16), and keep it clean. If you are wanting to drive trucks and heavy vehicles you need at least a class 2 license (the heavier the vehicle, the higher the license). You need to have your full class 1 (car) license before you can go for your class 2. This process can take a couple years so get started now!
Meet the young Waikato people working in Manufacturing and Engineering
Automotive
Student
Engineering
Apprentice
Production
Worker
Machining
Apprentice
Heavy Diesel Mechanic
MANUFACTURING
APPRENTICE
LASER MACHINE
OPERATOR
General Engineering
Apprentice
Light Fabrication
Apprentice
Automotive Technician
Heavy Structural Engineering Apprentice
Automotive Technician Apprentice
Light Fabrication Apprentice
CNC Laser Programmer
AUSMEAT AUDITOR
Technical Cadet
Heavy Fabrication Apprentice
Apprentice Toolmaker
Product Development engineer
CNC Draughtsman
Labourer
Fabrication Apprentice
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Auto Engineer
Heavy Diesel Mechanics
Field Service
Technician
Mechanical Engineer Apprentice
CNC LASER OPERATOR
LAB TECHNICIAN
CNC Junior Operator
Sources: careers.govt.nz, transport.govt.nz, weca.org.nz, Waikato.ac.nz, waikatoregion.govt.nz, wintec.ac.nz, youthguarantee.govt.nz
Disclaimer: While the FutureForce® Team makes every effort to ensure the information on this website is correct, the editor and publisher do not assume and hereby disclaim any liability to any party for any disruption or loss caused by error or omissions. Content is designed to complement, but not replace, the advice of a career advisor.