Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics
There is a mixture of skilled jobs across this sector… something to suit just about everyone. Careers in manufacturing, engineering and logistics offer opportunities to make new discoveries, solve problems and make a practical difference to the world around you.
Is a job in the manufacturing sector right for you? Find out!
Are you…?
-
- Interested in making things work
- Skilled with your hands
- Inquisitive
- Interested in innovation and improvement
- Passionate about the environment
- Able to think outside the box
- Comfortable using science and technology
- Interested in operating vehicles and specialised equipment
- Able to follow schedules and enjoy planning and using efficient systems
Do you have skills in the following areas?
-
- Design
- Technical
- Computer
- Creative
- Manual skills
If you can tick some, or all, of the above, and you’re keen to learn and reliable, you are likely to be in demand in this booming sector!
Job and pay examples in Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics
| 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 |
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. Many Waikato employers offer “earn as you learn” opportunities such as apprenticeships and internships.
Engineering Job Examples
Civil
Civil Engineers design, plan, organise and oversee the building of structures such as dams, bridges, gas and water supply systems, sewerage systems and roads.
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.
Mechanical
Mechanical Engineers may weld, machine, bend, cut or shape light and heavy steel, including stainless, carbon or mild steel, aluminium and galvanised sheet, build special purpose machines or engage in precision tool making design and product development.
Electrical
Electrical Engineers specify, design and supervise the construction or manufacture of systems and equipment that produce, distribute and/or use electricity. They also maintain, operate and manage these systems and equipment.
What’s your best advice to someone looking at this kind of work?
“Do your research first and pick up the tools to get some hands-on experience. That way you’ll work out what you like doing. Don’t be afraid to get yourself out there… go knock on doors and have a chat to local businesses.”
– Azaria Weston – Longveld Light Fabrication Apprentice
Manufacturing
Manufacturing is all about getting things made. Manufacturers use technology, machinery and tools to create and produce all kinds of goods from raw materials.
Manufacturing blends technology and innovation with creativity and problem solving – meaning that people working in this sector have the chance to work on cutting-edge projects that shape and improve the future of the industry.
Waikato is the third largest manufacturing region in New Zealand. This dynamic industry is contributes over $3 billion dollars to New Zealand’s GDP*. In Waikato, manufacturing is our second biggest industry, just behind construction. There are nearly 2,500 manufacturing businesses Waikato and over 26,000 people work in this industry.
Learn more about the future of Manufacturing here »
SMARTER FUTURES: ADVANCED MANUFACTURING
The Advanced Manufacturing industry in the Waikato region supports and adds value to a diverse range of industries, including…
- Aerospace
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Healthcare
- Automotive
- Agriculture
Advanced Manufacturing is a highly skilled industry, developing and adopting new technology and contributing to our region’s exports.
This industry has benefited from the region’s location, skilled workforce, and supportive business environment. The Waikato region is also home to world-class research institutions and facilities that provide advanced manufacturing companies with access to the latest technologies and expertise.
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).
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).
Qualifications
Whether you are looking to study at the University of Waikato, Wintec, Vision College or gain a qualification that has a practical vocational focus there are many options within the Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics sector including:
» 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)
» Wintec
› Bachelor of Engineering Technology
› Graduate Diploma in Engineering Technology
› Mechanical Engineering (Level 3)
› Mechanical Engineering (Level 5)
› Electrical Engineering (Level 3)
ABOUT WECA – Waikato Engineering Careers Association (WECA) members are engineering and manufacturing employers and educators committed to fostering a vibrant and sustainable engineering sector by attracting and developing engineers for the future.
Meet the young Waikato people working in Manufacturing and Engineering
Automotive
Student
Engineering
Apprentice
Machine Operator
Machining
Apprentice
Heavy Diesel Mechanic
Electrical
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
Machine Technician
CNC Draughtsman
Production Fabrication Apprentices
Fabrication Apprentice
Auto Engineer
ELECTRICAL ENGINEER
Heavy Diesel Mechanics
Field Service
Technician
Machine Operator
CNC LASER OPERATOR
LAB TECHNICIAN
Labourer
WATCH: Waikato young people in Manufacturing, Engineering and Logistics careers
Technical Cadet
Sealed Air
Mechanical Service Manager
CAL Isuzu
Light Fabrication Apprentice
Stafford Engineering
Engineering Apprentice
Stafford Engineering
Electrician
ALTO
Mechanic
Fairview Educational Services
Apprentice Diesel Mechanic
Giltrap AgriZone
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.