MyCareerMatch has just released its 2025 high school career reports to now include breakout guides on engineering and technology careers matched to each person. This new addition provides students with detailed insights into these rapidly growing in demand industries, helping them make informed decisions about their future. If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that the world is changing fast. But what are we doing to encourage Australian students to step into these amazing fields?
Engineering and Tech Are the Smart Choices
Let’s get straight to the point: Australia needs more engineers and tech experts. The technology sector already contributes a whopping $167 billion annually to the economy, and that number is expected to reach $250 billion by 2030. That’s serious money. But here’s the issue—there aren’t enough skilled professionals to meet the demand. We need software developers, cybersecurity experts, data scientists, and engineers in all fields to drive innovation, improve infrastructure, and keep Australia competitive on a global scale.
A Study That Says It All
There’s research that proves how crucial engineers are to a country’s success. Back in 1989, economists Murphy, Shleifer, and Vishny studied 91 different nations and found a strong link between a high number of engineers and economic growth. Countries that had more engineers grew faster, while those with too many lawyers often saw slower development. It’s not hard to see why. Engineers build things, solve problems, and create new technologies. Without them, progress slows, and opportunities shrink.
What About the Pay?
Let’s be real—students want careers that pay well. And they should. The good news? Careers in technology and engineering are some of the highest-paid in the country. Software engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and data scientists regularly earn $200,000+ per year, and senior professionals can command even higher salaries. These jobs aren’t just well-paid; they also offer long-term stability, something that’s becoming rarer in other industries.
Why Aren’t More Students Choosing Engineering and Tech?
With such great salaries, job security, and opportunities, you’d think every student would be jumping at the chance to study engineering or technology. So why aren’t they? Part of the problem is awareness. Many students (and their parents) still associate success with more traditional careers like medicine, law, or finance, while engineering and tech remain misunderstood or underestimated. Sadly many parents think engineering is all hard hats and yellow high visibility clothing.
How Career Advisers Can Make a Difference
Schools and career advisors need to break these misconceptions and showcase the real-world impact and excitement that comes with building, designing, and inventing the future. Many students don’t even realise the incredible opportunities waiting for them in engineering and tech. That’s where career counsellors come in. By sharing success stories, making connections between students’ interests and real-world applications, and highlighting scholarships and training pathways, we can help them see the bigger picture.
The Bottom Line
The future belongs to those who innovate, build, and create. The demand is high, the opportunities are endless, and Australia’s economic future depends on it.
It’s time to encourage students to take the leap. Whether it’s developing AI, designing space technology, or building smarter cities, careers in engineering and technology offer a ticket to a bright and rewarding future. Let’s make sure they know it.
