Transform raw metal into precise structures and components, bringing engineering designs to life through skilled cutting, shaping, and welding.

As a metal fabricator, you’ll interpret technical drawings to construct metal parts used in everything from buildings and bridges to machinery and tools. The role involves working with heavy-duty equipment, applying welding techniques, and ensuring finished products meet exact specifications. It’s a trade that blends physical skill with precision and problem-solving.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, metal fabrication is a key part of the manufacturing industry, supporting sectors like mining, METS, construction, and transport—creating strong demand for skilled workers.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Read and follow engineering plans and blueprints
• Cut, bend, and assemble metal pieces using tools and machines
• Weld components together and check for strength and accuracy

This role suits people who:
Enjoy hands-on work, are detail-oriented, and like building and fixing things.

Pathway:
Metal fabricators typically complete a VET qualification, often through an apprenticeship.

Keep industry running smoothly by keeping machines in check.

Maintenance Engineers are essential to manufacturing. They inspect, maintain, and repair machinery, ensuring everything operates safely and efficiently. This hands-on role combines mechanical skills with critical thinking to reduce downtime and improve production reliability.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, Maintenance Engineers play a vital role in industries like mining, manufacturing, and processing like sugar milling. Whether it’s diagnosing equipment faults or planning routine maintenance, you’ll be at the heart of operations, making sure everything runs smoothly.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Inspect and maintain machinery to avoid breakdowns
• Use diagnostic tools and repair mechanical faults
• Schedule maintenance works

This role suits people who:
Enjoy problem-solving, have strong attention to detail, and work well under pressure.

Pathway:
Start with a VET qualification in engineering or maintenance or pursue a degree. Hands-on experience through apprenticeships or internships helps build your skills and career in this high-demand field.

Shape the future of everyday objects and experiences.

As a Product Designer, you’ll use creativity and technology to develop products that improve how people live, work, and play. From idea to prototype, you’ll be part of every stage of design—making everyday items smarter, more useful, and more sustainable.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, product design supports local manufacturing across diverse sectors like mining, health, lifestyle, and agriculture. Whether you’re designing equipment, tools, or consumer goods, your work will blend aesthetics, function, and innovation.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Sketch, model, and develop prototypes using CAD tools (Computer-Aided Design – software used to create detailed building plans and 3D models) and workshop materials
• Test and refine designs based on user feedback
• Collaborate with engineers and manufacturers to bring ideas to life

This role suits people who:
Creative thinkers, detail-focused, and passionate about solving problems.

Pathway:
Most Product Designers complete a university degree in industrial or product design. Gaining experience through internships and building a strong portfolio are key to launching your career.

Turn technical ideas into detailed plans that bring precision to production.

As a Draftsperson, you’ll be the link between concept and creation—translating engineering specifications into accurate 2D and 3D designs using a range of drafting tools. Working closely with engineers and manufacturing teams, you’ll help bring specialist components and systems to life, ensuring each design is production-ready and meets Australian standards.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, drafters are vital to manufacturing industries like mining equipment, fabrication, and mechanical systems, making your work critical to both local and global projects.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Create technical drawings and 3D models for fabrication and machining
• Collaborate with engineers to refine and certify designs
• Maintain drawing files and convert older drawings to current formats

This role suits people who:
Enjoy technical details, thrive on problem-solving, and like turning complex ideas into clear, buildable designs.

Pathway:
Drafters typically complete a Certificate or Diploma in Engineering Drafting, often through TAFE or similar VET pathways.

Protect the backbone of heavy industry by ensuring the safety and reliability of major infrastructure.

As a Structural Site Inspector, you’ll play a hands-on role in inspecting and assessing the condition of critical materials handling structures like conveyors, ship loaders, marine platforms, and transfer towers. Working across ports, mines, and industrial sites, your work will directly influence operational safety and asset performance. This role blends on-site fieldwork with office-based analysis and reporting.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, where mining and heavy industry are prominent, Structural Site Inspectors are in demand to uphold structural integrity in challenging environments.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Conduct site inspections of steel and concrete structures
• Identify defects and report on structural condition and compliance
• Collaborate with engineers to recommend remedial actions

This role suits people who:
Have strong attention to detail, enjoy fieldwork, and are committed to safety and structural excellence.

Pathway:
A degree in Civil, Structural or Mechanical Engineering is typically required.

Turn raw product into refined sweetness with precision and expertise.

As a High-Grade Sugar Boiler Attendant, you’ll operate specialises equipment to process sugar cane products into high-quality sugar. Working within one of Mackay Sugar’s mills, you’ll ensure production runs efficiently, safely, and to strict quality standards. This role is vital to the food manufacturing process, with a strong focus on quality control, minimising sugar losses, and maintaining consistent outputs.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, sugar manufacturing plays a major role in the local economy, and skilled boiler attendants are essential for keeping production on track during the seasonal crush.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Operate and monitor high-grade pans and processing stations
• Manage seed preparation and perform quality control checks
• Maintain efficient, safe operation to reduce product loss

This role suits people who:
Enjoy hands-on work, problem solving, fast-paced environments and thrive in a team-focused, environment.

Pathway:
A Certificate III in engineering or mechanical areas is typical with on-the-job training or apprenticeships common.

Keep machinery moving and precision in check.

As a Fitter and Turner, you’ll work with metal to create, assemble, and maintain the mechanical parts that power everything from production lines to mining equipment. This hands-on role blends technical accuracy with practical skill and is vital to the efficiency and reliability of machinery used across key industries.

In the Greater Whitsunday region, Fitters and Turners are in steady demand to support mining, manufacturing, engineering, and processing sectors.

What you might do day-to-day:

• Read and interpret technical drawings to shape and fit mechanical components
• Assemble, install and maintain machines, engines and systems
• Diagnose faults and carry out repairs using precision tools and equipment

This role suits people who:
Enjoy mechanical tasks, are problem-solvers, and work well with their hands and tools.

Pathway:
Typically entered via a Certificate III in Engineering – Mechanical Trade through a VET qualification or apprenticeship.