A definitive answer to this burning question!
We hear the question, “Can you become an engineer without a degree?”, quite a lot! While going to uni to become an engineer is a popular path, we’ve got some good news for you.
You can ABSOLUTELY become an engineer without a degree.
VET offers fantastic alternatives to a university degree. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the VET courses with the highest levels of employment after training were concentrated in the Engineering and Related Technologies field. This field is also heavily featured in the top VET courses with the highest median income and income uplift.
TL;DR, skilling up in engineering via a VET course can be a really good career move!
There are also stacks of engineering jobs you can land through a VET qualification and/or apprenticeship. Keep reading to find them further down this page.
What is VET?
VET stands for vocational education and training and it equips people with workplace skills, technical knowledge and qualifications.
Find the pros and cons of VET and uni qualifications over here.
VET + engineering courses
Below are the VET + engineering courses that Jobs and Skills Australia has identified as having high employment rate changes. That means there is an increased need for people with the following qualifications:
- Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology
- Certificate III in Engineering (Casting and Moulding Trade)
- Certificate II in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
- Certificate III in Engineering – Toolmaking Trade
The following courses are linked to highest median income after training:
- Certificate III in Surface Extraction Operations
- Certificate III in Engineering – Toolmaking Trade
- Certificate III in Automotive Air Conditioning Technology
- Certificate III in Civil Construction
- Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology
- Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician
- Certificate II in Split Air Conditioning and Heat Pump Systems
These are just some examples of engineering qualifications you can do through VET providers like TAFE. Check out your local TAFE’s website to see what they have on offer.
Engineering jobs you can get with a VET qualification
With a VET qualification, you could become a:
- Metal engineering process worker
- Hydraulic/pneumatic technician
- Design engineer
- Paraprofessional electronics engineer
- Pressure welder
- Blacksmith
- Boilermaker
- Toolmaker
- Polymer technician
VET pathways into trades + engineering
If you enjoy working with your hands, learning on the job and figuring out how stuff works, a career in trades could be right up your alley.
Read more here. And have flick through Careers with STEM: Apprenticeships + Traineeships magazine:
5 engineers who got their start without a degree
Meet engineers who are thriving in all different engineering career areas thanks to the qualifications they nabbed at TAFE:
- Maintenance supervisor Donna Stace
- Apprentice marine technician Braden Hellmuth
- Engineering support workshop manager Bianca Shepherd
- Metal fabricator Lachlan Butler
- Engineering trades teacher Melinda Jeffrey
Check out what they studied and what jobs they’ve landed here.
Learn more
Interested in knowing about other STEM careers you can nab without a degree? Watch the video below!
Main image: Shutterstock
