Launching an engineering career

INSTEAD of taking a gap year after finishing high school like she originally planned, Bella Dripps started her journey in studying engineering.

Wanting to build her knowledge, skills and confidence before heading into a university degree in aeronautical engineering, Ms Dripps enrolled in the Diploma of Engineering at The Gordon TAFE.

Her decisions to take the vocational path gave her the practical, industry- relevant engineering skills to prepare for university.

“I’m really enjoying TAFE. The coursework is practical, the class size is small, and the teachers are great,” Ms Dripps said.

“We’re using the engineering workshops on campus and have plenty of networking opportunities with professionals in the field.

“We’re covering a broad range of engineering topics and it’s building my skills and confidence for when I start university.”

Her experience highlights the value of vocational education as an alternative pathway or change of preference options, for those who may not achieve the scores to enter university.

Various career pathways are available for those not offered a place at their first-choice university or undecided about their next steps.

By attending TAFE, students are able to earn credits that can decrease the time and reduce the cost of any further studies.

Female students are strongly supported by The Gordon to pursue careers in engineering and industries traditionally underrepresented by women.

Access to clear and appealing education and training options to work in an industry offering well-paid and secure career pathways supports the “Making it equal: Victoria’s Women in Manufacturing Strategy” released by the Victorian government.

The Gordon’s engineering teacher Ollie Buckley is proudly “developing the next generation of engineers” in his role.

Mr Buckley loves helping his students develop their skills, pushing them to achieve high standards and enjoying connecting with them, passing on his industry knowledge.

He described The Gordon’s training as “a great launching pad for commencing studies that lead into higher learning or into industry”.

“Our students will be the ones who drive change in the industry for years to come,” he said.

A former Gordon engineering student himself, Mr Buckley, has undertaken numerous roles in the industry since his studies, including working at the Geelong Arts Centre, one of his career highlights.

Qualified engineers are in high demand across various fields, with an increasing number of women pursuing careers in the industry.

“It’s a great time to commence in the industry as there is a high demand for people in many different areas,” Mr Buckley said.

“There are several developing areas that need qualified people to assist and progress these important projects.”

For more information or to start a career in engineering, head to thegordon.edu.au