Mechanical engineering technicians and associates design, build and maintain machinery using specialised design software, drawing equipment and hand tools.

There are around 325 mechanical engineering associates and 140 mechanical engineering technicians in Western Australia. Approximately 87% of the workforce is male.

Each year, about 20 people start the Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical). There are also a small number of commencements in the Engineering (Technician) traineeship in which applicants undertake less complex mechanical engineering tasks.

If you like investigating how things work by pulling them apart and putting them back together again, then you might be interested in finding out a bit more about this occupation. The work of mechanical engineering technicians and associates involves designing, testing, building and maintaining equipment and machinery.

The Mechanical Middleperson

''Mechanical engineering technicians provide the step between design and manufacture,'' says a lecturer in Engineering from TAFE.

Mechanical engineering technicians and associates usually work under the direction of mechanical engineers and carry out tasks associated with the design of new machines, the assembly and installation of mechanical equipment, and the maintainance and repair of engineering machinery. They also assist in developing quality control tests for products and parts and perform workshop and field tests. This job may also involve liaising with a variety of people including mechanical engineers, mechanical services tradespeople, contractors, architects, consultants and suppliers.

The types of machines that technicians and associates design and maintain include air conditioning systems, heating and ventilation units and power plants. They also develop quality control systems in manufacturing by studying and improving the mechanical processes and machinery on production lines.

Mechanical engineering associates may also be required to lead teams of mechanical engineering technicians.


From Boilers To Fridges

For mechanical engineering technicians, there is a range of specialities including:
*boiler testing
*hydraulic control
*mechanical detail drafting
*mechanical engineering drafting
*pipe testing
*tool design detail drafting.

Mechanical engineering associates may specialise in one of:
*mechanical handling (cranes, lifts, conveyors)
*jig and tool (associated with most manufacturing companies)
*building services (such as air conditioning, pipe and duct layouts) or
*consumer products (general domestic appliances).


Is This Up Your Alley?

You'll need a sound knowledge of maths and physics, strong problem solving skills and good hand-eye coordination. You may be required to work independently or in a team, so it also helps if you enjoy dealing with a variety of people. Mechanical engineering technicians and associates use computers, drawing equipment, hand tools and machines, and may work in factories, offices or on building sites.

Work may be indoors or outdoors, and can be noisy and dirty at times. When working with dangerous machinery, protective clothing must be worn. Typically, mechanical engineering technicians and associates work 40 hours a week, although country work may involve extra hours. Travel, between local sites may be required, and with contract work, there may be opportunities for travel overseas.


Job opportunities exist in the architectural and technical and consulting engineering services, as well as the manufacturing, electricity, water and gas industries. These tradespersons' skills have been instrumental to projects such as the North West Shelf Gas Project in the Burrup Peninsula. Another major area of employment is in engineering drafting.

Employment prospects are influenced by the level of activity in the various industries that employ these tradespeople and the number and size of engineering projects planned and under construction. There has been a downturn in the demand for mechanical engineering technicians and associates in the past few years but demand has been improved due to projects such as the North West Shelf Gas Project.


Salaries begin at around $37,000 per year while more experienced technicians and associates can earn around $80,000 a year.

Entry to this field can be gained through extensive work experience, although it usually requires the completion of a relevant course in mechanical engineering.

The Diploma and Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Mechanical) are available through the Carlisle, Fremantle, Midland and Subiaco campuses of TAFE.

Entry to either course requires a minimum C grade in four accredited Year 11 (D Code) subjects including an English and mathematics, or equivalent.

You may be able to move into this area of work by undertaking an Engineering (Technician) traineeship. For further information, contact the Australian Apprenticeships Hotline on 13 38 73 (local call cost).

Many people move into this area from the trades. Other useful experience can be gained through working in an engineering workshop, working with machines, or any other work in the engineering industry.

''People often start off as juniors, working in drafting. As they gain more experience, they can undertake vocational training and then progressively move into mechanical engineering technician and associate positions. Often employers are willing to sponsor the vocational training,'' says Jeff Dusting, the Associate Director of Norman, Disney and Young, Consulting Engineers.

With further study, there is the potential to find work as a professional engineer and, in some companies, mechanical engineering technicians and associates can train to become production engineers.

	TAFE Colleges
	Homepage links and contact details for all TAFE colleges in WA.
	TAFE Handbook
	An online guide to full-time TAFE courses available throughout WA.

Engineers Australia
712 Murray Street West Perth WA 6005 Ph: (08) 9321 3340 Fax: (08) 9481 4332 Email: wa@engineersaustralia.org.au URL: http://www.wa.engineersaustralia.org.au

Metals, Manufacturing and Services Industry Training Council
PO Box 667 Wembley WA 6913 Ph: (08) 9281 1333 Fax: (08) 9382 5703 Email: merswa@ozemail.com.au URL: http://www.mersitab.com.au

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