Pathways
Pathways
Routes Into the Industry
One of the greatest advantages of this career is that there is no single pathway in. Whether you’re a school leaver, apprentice, qualified electrician, technician or engineering graduate, there are multiple routes that can lead to a successful career.
Start with an electrical apprenticeship
The most common pathway. Become a qualified electrician and build foundational knowledge in electrical installations, fault finding, testing and commissioning, maintenance, reading technical drawings and workplace safety. After gaining experience, electricians often specialise through additional qualifications and workplace training.
Electrical Apprentice → Electrician → Industrial Electrician → Instrumentation Technician → Automation SpecialistComplete an instrumentation apprenticeship
Some employers offer dedicated Instrumentation and Control apprenticeships for direct entry, focusing on instrument calibration, process measurement, control systems, industrial electronics, process control equipment and automation technologies — allowing you to specialise earlier.
Instrumentation Apprentice → Instrument Technician → Senior Instrument Technician → E&I SpecialistUpskill as a qualified electrician
Many professionals begin as licensed electricians before expanding into industrial automation and process control — popular among electricians in mining, manufacturing, utilities, heavy industry and energy production. Instrumentation and Control or Electrical Instrumentation certifications can significantly increase opportunities and earning potential.
Engineering pathway
For those interested in design, system integration and technical leadership, degrees in Electrical, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Automation or Industrial Engineering open doors to control system design, automation projects, process optimisation, systems integration, project management and operational technology.
Engineering Graduate → Control Systems Engineer → Automation Engineer → Senior Engineer → Engineering ManagerIndustrial maintenance experience
Many transition in after gaining experience in industrial maintenance. Mechanical technicians, maintenance technicians, production operators, electrical trades assistants and process operators often develop exposure to instrumentation and control as part of their daily work, then move into dedicated roles with additional training.
Specialise in automation technologies
As Industry 4.0 and digital transformation expand, some enter through automation-focused training in PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial networking, robotics, data acquisition systems and IIoT — skills increasingly sought after by employers implementing advanced automation.