Your guide to career pathways from vocational education
We are celebrating STEM careers that have pathways outside of uni. Check out the full A-Z list below to find some inspiration for where to go after vocational education!
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VET careers
If you’ve only got a couple of minutes, watch this video showcasing some careers below!
A is for aircraft mechanic
Interested in flying and all things airplanes? This role specialises in the maintenance, repair, and inspection of aircraft to ensure they meet safety regulations. You can work for defence, or companies that make passenger and cargo aircraft.
B is for broadcast technician
Operates and maintains equipment used in broadcasting radio and television shows. Being across new technology and how pieces of tech work together is key to this role.
C is for computer support specialist
Provides technical support and advice to users of computers and software, an essential role in the digital economy.
D is for dental assistant
Supports dentists during dental procedures, manages patient care, and handles administrative tasks. Dental assistants even get to use x-ray machines!
E is for environmental manager
Oversees environmental compliance, sustainability initiatives, and regulatory adherence for organisations.
Special mention for another VET pathway to a STEM career beginning with E – electricians! Check out our Careers with STEM: Electrician job kit to find out what’s out there!
F is for forensic scientist
A forensic scientist analyses physical evidence from crime scenes using scientific methods and techniques to help law enforcement solve crimes and provide expert testimony in court.
G is for groundwater specialist
Studies and manages the distribution and quality of groundwater resources.
H is for hazardous materials technician
Handles and manages the cleanup of hazardous materials and ensures safety protocols are followed.
I is for industrial engineering technician
Assists engineers in optimising industrial processes and systems for efficiency.
J is for junior network administrator
Manages and supports a company’s computer networks, ensuring smooth operation and security.
K is for kinematics specialist
Focuses on the motion of objects and systems, often within engineering or biomechanics.
L is for laser technician
Operates and maintains laser equipment for medical, industrial, or scientific purposes.
M is for mechatronics technician
Works with the combined principles of mechanics, electronics, and computing to design and maintain automated systems.
N is for neurodiagnostic technician
Conducts tests to diagnose neurological conditions, often using equipment like EEGs.
O is for optical technician
Manufactures and repairs optical instruments, such as eyeglasses and contact lenses.
P is for precision agriculture technician
Uses technology to improve agricultural practices, focusing on efficiency and sustainability.
Q is for quality control inspector
Ensures products meet quality standards through inspection and testing.
R is for radiologist
A medical doctor specialising in diagnosing and treating diseases and injuries using medical imaging techniques.
S is for surveyor
Measures and maps the Earth’s surface to determine property boundaries, construction sites, and more.
T is for telecommunications technician
Installs and maintains communication systems, including telephone lines and internet networks.
U is for urban planner
Develops plans and programs for land use in urban areas, balancing growth, infrastructure, and sustainability.
V is for veterinarian nurse
A veterinary nurse uses STEM skills to apply medical knowledge, perform diagnostic tests, and manage treatments for animals, supporting veterinarians with precise and effective care.
W is for wind turbine technician
Maintains and repairs wind turbines, ensuring they operate efficiently to produce renewable energy.
X is for x-ray technician
Operates X-ray machines and other imaging equipment to create diagnostic images of patients’ internal structures, assisting physicians in diagnosing and treating medical conditions.
Y is for yacht designer
Designs luxury yachts, balancing aesthetics, functionality, and safety.
Z is for zero emissions vehicle engineer
Develops vehicles that produce no emissions, focusing on sustainable and green technologies.
Did you love our A-Z of VET?
Be sure to check out the rest of our A-Z series:
Check out these ones too:
- The A-Z of STEM careers
- The A-Z of health jobs
- The A-Z of medical jobs
- The A-Z of VET
- The A-Z of getting a job
- The A-Z of Open Day
- The A-Z of STEM degrees
- The A-Z of uni electives
- The A-Z of space careers
- The A-Z of careers in AI
- The A-Z of renewable careers
- The A-Z of maths careers
