From high-performance titanium sailing T-foils to fabricated bridges, speaker systems, metal sculptures and even sleep apnoea masks – the work of engineers influences every aspect of life, but is often considered the “most visible, invisible industry.”
When it comes to work-life choices it’s no surprise that engineering trades are often overlooked as they sit quietly in the background, overshadowed by building, plumbing and electrical trades. So how do we unlock engineering’s career potential— not just at the school level but as a clever career choice?
“Engineering trades are often the silent forgotten trades, but New Zealand is crying out for skilled engineers,” Competenz General Manager Employer and Learner Services Toni Christie says.
“We have a skills shortage, coupled with economic uncertainty. In these times, career advisors, mid-life career changers and graduates should consider recession - and future-proofed engineering careers as a big advantage.”
People often have a narrow view of what an engineering career looks like. What many don’t realise is that engineering and related trades cover 11 different specialisations, everything from dairy systems to toolmaking.
Adds Toni, “If you enjoy working with your hands, figuring out how things work, and working with leading-edge technology, engineering trades offer a wide range of career pathways to explore.”
While engineering is often seen as a male-dominated sector, opportunities extend far beyond men in overalls. Women are also forging ahead in key industries and engineering careers - women like Patsy Gadsby, who is making her mark at Black Steel Mobile (BSM), one of Auckland’s leading steel fabricators.
After trying her hand at a number of different careers, Patsy was inspired by her favourite fantasy television series, Avatar, to give engineering a go. She hasn’t looked back.
“One of the characters in the series was an engineer and she really inspired me to see a female doing a job that’s traditionally done by men,” says Patsy.
Fast forward a couple of years and Patsy is now over halfway through her engineering fabrication apprenticeship. She couldn’t be happier.
“The first day I walked into the BSM workshop I was like a scared little rabbit, but now I have so much more confidence and faith in my abilities. I can weld and make things from steel. I even made a set of stairs. It was really difficult and at the time I questioned whether I’d actually be able to finish it, but once it was done and installed I felt so proud. I’m really glad I watched that Avatar cartoon and it inspired me to become a steel fabricator!”
Patsy’s boss and BSM General Manager Steve Powell, is passionate about attracting more people into the sector and has played a pivotal role in connecting school leavers to potential careers in fabrication engineering. In doing so, he is helping to ensure that New Zealand develops the skills we need for the future.
“Many people have no idea what engineering job opportunities are available in the big wide world,” says Steve. “By collaborating with Competenz we can meet with a group of people and explain what we are about, helping them realise that there’s more to trades careers than just building, electrical and plumbing opportunities.”
BSM has worked with Competenz in breaking down barriers to the industry through work experience placements, presentations, workshops, events and even a minibus tour.
“It’s a powerful way to build a talent pipeline. We may only get one or two people interested in what we do, but they’re the one or two we want to look closely at.”
Simon Smith, branch manager at leading refrigeration business CoSell, also hopes more people – including career advisors - will start to recognise the importance of engineering trades and promote them more actively.
"Refrigeration is a ‘ghost’ trade and one of the fastest growing industries. Exposure of the trade to potential apprentices would add value and depth to our industry resourcing issue," says Simon.
It would also dish up fresh opportunities for those seeking a rewarding, diverse and hands-on career – and as Simon, Steve and Patsy can all attest, those who do pathway into this “most visible, invisible industry”, can see a bright future ahead.
