There's a common misconception that a high-paying job requires a university degree. The great news is that a TAFE qualification often provides a faster, more practical pathway to achieving your career goals.
Those who study at TAFE usually enter the workforce sooner and with less student debt than university graduates. This means they can start earning earlier with more financial freedom.
Many high-paying jobs Australia offers can be accessed through a TAFE qualification, with opportunities in sectors providing job security and strong employment prospects. By choosing to study with TAFE, you're investing in a rewarding career and building skills to support industries that shape our future.
In this article, we'll explore five impactful careers that a TAFE qualification can unlock.
Construction manager
What does a construction manager do?
Construction managers plan, organise, and oversee projects that shape community infrastructure, such as homes, roads, schools, and hospitals. Construction managers ensure projects run smoothly, meet deadlines, and stay within budget. They're also responsible for employees and maintaining a safe work environment for everyone on-site.
Career outlook for construction managers
The construction industry is one of the largest employers in Australia. The entire sector is experiencing strong and steady growth, offering many career opportunities, including high-paying construction jobs like construction manager.
How much does a construction manager get paid?
The salary range for a construction manager in Australia is around $114k–$197k.
What skills does a construction manager need?
A construction manager requires a combination of hard and soft skills. Some skills essential to the role include the following:
- Technical skills in building and construction
- Financial and budget management
- Leadership and people management
- Stakeholder management
- Assertive communication
- Organisation and time management
- Problem-solving
To start your career in construction, you can complete a course like Chisholm’s Certificate IV in Building and Construction (Building). This industry-recognised qualification will give you the foundation skills needed to work in the field. By learning on the job and gaining further qualifications, you can progress to a construction manager role.
Accountant
What does an accountant do?
Accountants manage financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and budgeting for organisations and individuals. They ensure compliance with financial regulations, oversee invoicing and payroll, reconcile accounts, and provide guidance to help clients stay on track financially.
Career outlook for accountants
The Australian accounting sector offers job stability, competitive salaries, and clear career progression. With nearly 200,000 professionals currently working in the field, the demand for accountants is expected to grow further.
How much does an accountant get paid?
The salary range for an accountant in Australia is around $80k–$118k.
What skills does an accountant need?
Along with strong accounting skills, certain soft skills are a significant advantage in the role. Here are some of the skills needed to be an accountant:
- Confidence with numbers
- Accounting software and digital literacy
- Attention to detail
- Organisation and time management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Stakeholder management
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
To become an accountant, you’ll need to complete a degree in accounting. Then, you can join a professional body like CPA Australia to complete the accredited program and become a certified practising accountant. At Chisholm, you can pathway from a Diploma of Accounting into the second year of a Bachelor of Business (Accounting), which is accredited by CPA Australia.
Manufacturing engineer
What does a manufacturing engineer do?
Manufacturing engineers enhance efficiency in manufacturing by designing and optimising industrial production systems. They focus on improving workflows, researching and implementing automation techniques, and planning factory layouts. They also coordinate operations across departments to ensure a smooth and cost-effective production process.
Career outlook for manufacturing engineers
Australia's infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing sectors are thriving, creating opportunities for those pursuing high-paying engineering jobs. With competitive salaries and clear career progression, there has never been a better time to enter the field.
How much does a manufacturing engineer get paid?
The salary range for a manufacturing engineer in Australia is around $85k–$145k.
What skills does a manufacturing engineer need?
To excel in this role, you’ll need both strong technical abilities and interpersonal skills. Below are some essential skills for a successful career as a manufacturing engineer:
- Engineering and manufacturing skills and knowledge
- Project management
- Quality control
- Digital literacy
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Teamwork and communication
- Attention to detail
- Data analysis
- Flexibility and adaptability
Chisholm's Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Mechanical and Manufacturing) is the perfect foundation for a successful career. Developed in collaboration with industry and taught by experienced instructors in state-of-the-art facilities, this program provides the practical skills needed to thrive in the role.
ICT manager
What does an ICT manager do?
An ICT (Information and Communication Technology) manager oversees an organisation's IT systems to ensure they run smoothly and support business goals. They manage IT teams, plan and maintain hardware, software, and networks, solve tech issues and work on improving efficiency and security.
Career outlook for ICT managers
Employment in the ICT sector is steadily growing, fueled by a skills shortage and rapid technological advancements. With 935,000 professionals in the industry as of 2023 and a target of 600,000 new jobs by 2030 (with managers ranked in the top five tech occupations), now is the perfect time to start an IT career.
How much does an ICT manager get paid?
The salary range for an ICT manager in Australia is around $115k–$167k.
What skills does an ICT manager need?
Because ICT managers lead teams and are responsible for entire IT systems for businesses, they need a strong set of skills. Here are a few must-haves for a career as an ICT manager:
- Technical proficiency in IT
- Project management
- Data analysis
- Attention to detail
- Organisation and time management
- Communication and interpersonal abilities
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Effective leadership
- Stakeholder management
For the skills needed to gain a high-paying IT job like ICT manager, you could complete a course like the Diploma of Information Technology. This program provides an excellent entry point into the industry allowing you to progress into senior roles.
Electrician
What does an electrician do?
An electrician installs, maintains, and repairs electrical systems to ensure they operate safely and efficiently. They work on wiring, lighting, and power systems in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Electricians also troubleshoot electrical issues and stay updated with industry standards to deliver the latest solutions.
Career outlook for electricians
We'll always need electricians. With a national skills shortage, the push for renewable energy and a projected job growth of 10.9% in the next five years, an exciting and practical career as an electrician is a secure choice.
How much does an electrician get paid?
The salary range for an electrician in Australia is around $79k–$138k.
What skills does an electrician need?
Along with advanced technical abilities, you will need other strengths to lead a successful career as an electrician. Here are some of the skills needed to thrive in the role.
- Electrical skills and knowledge
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Communication
- Organisation and time management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service and interaction
- Adaptability and flexibility
- People management
To become an electrician, you'll need to complete an apprenticeship and earn a qualification like the Certificate III in Electrotechnology Electrician (Apprenticeship) from Chisholm. This program offers a hands-on learning experience in a supportive environment, with access to our state-of-the-art workshops.
Studying at TAFE can lead to in-demand careers that provide financial security and allow you to make a positive impact on your community. Whether you're interested in any of the careers covered in this article or have your sights on another high-salary job, a TAFE qualification can provide a clear pathway to success.
Ready to take the step towards a high-paying job? Discover TAFE courses and start the journey today.
