Young Adults/School Leavers

Get ready to launch your career

As a school leaver, the manufacturing industry offers a world of opportunities to kickstart your career. With its blend of cutting-edge technology, hands-on work, and potential for rapid advancement, manufacturing provides an exciting pathway for young adults looking to make their mark in the professional world.

Direct entry: Hands-on experience from day one
  • Immediate immersion in the workforce
  • Learn practical skills on state-of-the-art equipment
  • Opportunity for rapid career progression
Find a Job
Apprenticeships and traineeships: Earn while you learn
  • Combine work and study in a 3–4-year program as an apprentice, or a 1–2-year program as a trainee
  • Gain nationally recognised qualifications
  • Cover diverse trades and technical roles
  • Receive mentorship from industry experts
Apprenticeships & Traineeships
University pathway: Higher education in manufacturing
  • Pursue degrees in engineering, science, food, fashion, design technology, mechatronics, manufacturing or business management
  • Develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills
  • Access cooperative education programs for industry experience
  • Prepare for leadership roles in manufacturing innovation
University

Benefits of working in manufacturing

Manufacturing offers unparalleled opportunities for rapid skill development. As a young adult entering the industry, depending on your job, you will be exposed to a wide range of technologies and processes, from advanced robotics, industrial machinery to 3D printing and AI-driven systems. This hands-on experience allows you to quickly build a diverse skill set that’s highly valued in today’s job market. You’ll learn problem-solving, teamwork, and technical skills that are transferable across many industries, setting a strong foundation for your career.

Myth: Manufacturing skills are limited to one specific job.
Fact: Skills learned in manufacturing are highly transferable across various industries.

The manufacturing industry is known for its clear and structured career progression paths. Many companies offer apprenticeship programs or entry-level positions with defined advancement routes. As you gain experience and skills, you can move up to supervisory roles, specialise in specific areas like quality control or process improvement, or even transition into management positions. This clarity in career progression allows you to set clear goals and work towards them, providing a sense of direction and purpose in your professional life.

Myth: Manufacturing jobs offer limited growth opportunities.
Fact: Many manufacturing careers have well-defined progression paths to leadership roles.

Contrary to some misconceptions, manufacturing jobs often offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages, especially as you gain experience and skills. Many manufacturing roles provide opportunities for overtime, shift differentials, and performance bonuses, allowing you to boost your earnings. Additionally, larger manufacturing companies often offer comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement plans, and educational assistance programs, providing financial security and support for your future growth.

Myth: Manufacturing jobs are low-paying.
Fact: Many manufacturing roles offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages.

As a young adult in manufacturing, you’ll be at the forefront of technological innovation. The industry is constantly evolving, incorporating new technologies like Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, and advanced robotics. This environment of continuous innovation not only keeps your work exciting and challenging but also ensures that your skills remain relevant in an ever-changing job market. You’ll have the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art equipment and contribute to developing new products and processes that can change the world.

Myth: Manufacturing is an outdated industry.
Fact: Manufacturing is a leader in adopting and developing cutting-edge technologies.

Popular careers in manufacturing.