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Harry Potter Special Effects to Feature at Technology Careers Night

trainThe Technology Industry Association is once again staging its popular annual career night for parents, teachers and students featuring presentations, a panel of graduates and many industry and educational displays.

This year’s draw card presenter is Ian Cope from Adelaide’s Rising Sun Pictures (RSP) animation studio. Mr Cope will present a show reel of movie special effects that RSP have created for well known movies such as Harry Potter, Charlottes Web and Superman. He will also explain the many animation roles at the studio and the qualifications required to work in one of these roles.

The event aims to promote the dynamic technology, electronics and ICT industry and in particular the career pathways available to students. One of the key focuses of the event is myth busting by dispelling the nerdy geek image of those put off from entering this exciting industry.

“Nerdy geeks couldn’t be further from the truth,” explained Steve Adcock, TIA CEO. “You’re more likely to find outgoing, intelligent, sophisticated young people who work in the recently created fields of nanotechnology, photonics, digital media, robotics, biomedical, telecommunications, computer science, information technology and mechatronics – just to name some of the areas young people can enter,” stated Mr Adcock.

Mr Adcock added that many students and teachers are simply unaware of the size and scope of South Australia’s thriving technology, electronics and ICT industry. “It employs more than 30,000 people, includes 1,200 companies and produces $7.6 billion in revenue for the State.”

“Low awareness coupled with rapid industry growth both here and around the world has lead to a shortage of skilled people. This is why the TIA attends many career expos all year round and has a dedicated Skills and Workforce Manager heading up an innovative skills project.”

Once teenagers express an interest in a technology, electronics or ICT career, the TIA has a simple three step plan aimed at helping them work out how to gain entry into this fascinating industry.

Step One – select a qualification level
Not all jobs in the technology, electronics and ICT industry require a university degree or TAFE diploma – but the best jobs and most pay generally go to the best qualified and most experienced. If overseas travel is of interest, then it is worth noting that it is usually the electronics and software engineers that travel overseas. There are four levels of qualifications to choose from:
1. Engineer – University degree – 4 years
2. Para professional – TAFESA Advanced Diploma 2.5 years
3. Tradesperson – Apprenticeship 4 years in total including 2.5 years at TAFESA
4. Operator – on the job training

Generally speaking if you are more suited to hands on tasks than working with concepts then a TAFESA course will suit you more than a university degree. In order to help teenagers investigate course options, the TIA has links to all relevant courses on their website at www.tia.asn.au including information nights at these tertiary institutions. The TIA runs professional development training for teachers, offers industry tours and can help with high school student work experience.

Step Two – Examine University and TAFE Courses
The TIA encourages teenagers to find out as much as possible about their intended course. Details such as course content, facilities, class duration, lecturers and even public transport all help in working out whether a course will be suitable. Visit university and TAFE websites to find out when open days will be run and tour facilities while there. Ask lecturers if they have records of job placements and if so ask about the percentage of students who found work and where.

Step Three – Study the right subjects at high school
Once you have decided on the course you’d like to study and its location then it is extremely important to examine the TER score required and essential high school subjects. Most technology, electronics and ICT courses require a maths and or physics subject to be studied at high school. Determine which maths subject is required and optimise your chances of getting accepted at your tertiary institution of choice by getting the highest possible score.

Lastly, attending industry career nights such as the TIA’s Career Night will also broaden your understanding of this exciting industry. Other industry bodies also run career nights such as Engineers Australia.

Bookings: can be completed online at www.tia.asn.au or by phoning 08-8272 5222.

Technology Careers Night

What: Career information night showcasing technology, electronics and ICT careers. Young graduate speakers, displays & a panel discussion.
When: 18th August 2010
Cost: No charge
Venue: Wayville Showgrounds, Goodwood Road, Wayville, South Australia
Time: 6.30 pm – 8.30pm
Bookings: Essential – book online at www.tia.asn.au or via [email protected] or phone 08 8272 5222

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