What can I do with my TAFE qualification?

Sustainability

Please note: the information contained in this document was current as of January 2011 Refer to www.swinburne.edu.au/courses/ for the most recent updates. Refer to the School of Sustainability website www.tafe.swinburne.edu.au/sustainability/ for further information and a list of the courses offered in this area.

Sustainability from an organisation’s perspective is focused on meeting “the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs….not compromise the environmental, social and human needs of our descendants”. (Source www.wbcsd.org)

Sustainability is increasingly becoming an important business objective in both government and industry. In recent times, there has been strong growth in compliance and in job descriptions that specifically address sustainability issues. Most growth opportunities exist through applying sustainability concepts to traditional disciplines, such as:

Business management
Engineering
Product design and manufacturing
Event management
Hospitality and tourism
Building and construction
Finance
Information technology

“Green-collar careers” as they are often referred to, are currently experiencing significant growth, with demand for business-focused sustainability solutions outweighing the supply of suitably experienced people. This emerging industry focuses on operational efficiencies, balancing economic considerations and social development within the constraints of the environment, and measuring and reporting on greenhouse gas emissions.

In recent times, there has been strong growth in the number of jobs that specifically address sustainability issues. However, most opportunities exist through applying sustainability concepts to traditional disciplines. Employers are recognising the business benefits of operating in ways that benefit people and the environment. For this reason, many students choose to complete a Sustainability course in conjunction with another course, either at TAFE or Higher Education level. Alternatively, some students will have graduated in other disciplines and return to study Sustainability as their skills are required to be developed in this area.

A large percentage of Sustainability jobs focus on communication and education, but increasingly, existing roles are being adapted to include sustainability principles. Examples include: electricians specialising in sustainable energy; green marketing; plumbers with awareness of water saving and recycling; water-smart farming and forestry within the agriculture industry; sustainable purchasing; green design, building and construction. There are also increasing opportunities in a wide range of niche industries, including wind, solar, hydrogen (fuel) and bioenergy.

The job outlook for people working in sustainability is likely to improve in the next five years, especially due to government investment in sustainability training and schemes.

For further market and industry information relating to your discipline, please refer to:

Swinburne was the first university to sign a Sustainability Covenant with the Environment Protection Authority (VIC). It is the only Australian university that houses national-level sustainability centres, located at the Hawthorn and Wantirna campuses respectively. Swinburne is Australia’s leading body that brings together government, industry and community and fosters the development of sustainable practices. Swinburne’s programs are designed to provide a cross-sectoral understanding of sustainability.

The issue of sustainability impacts on all fields of endeavour and is becoming an increasingly important business objective both in government and industry. Studying in this area will build your capacity to work in a wide range of sectors to create a more sustainable approach to doing business. Further information on the National Centre for Sustainability can be found at www.swinburne.edu.au/ncs

Jobs titles may include the following:

Climate Change Consultant/Leader
Carbon and Sustainability Consultant/Leader
Energy Analyst
Energy Auditor
Environmentalist
Landcare Worker
Natural Resource Manager
Sustainability Advisor / Officer

Graduates who complete Sustainability courses will be sought by employers in the following areas*:

Change management and organisational change/li>
Community development
Compliance monitoring
Conservation and management planning for fish, wildlife and forests
Conservation planning
Design (e.g. building, manufacturing and engineering)
Education
Energy systems and management
Environmental legislation management and enforcement – including inspection and auditing of workplaces, processes, plants, chemical and physical hazards
Environmental management of land and water - including developing, implementing and reviewing plans
Environmental policy development and provision of advice to government and industry
Environmental sustainability
Government agencies
Hospitals
National park management
Non-Government Organisations (NGO’s)
Policy development
Research and laboratory investigations
Resources management
Social research
Social sustainability
Sustainable production
Waste management for disposal of commercial, industrial, medical and household wastes

Note - Employment prospects will depend on experience and other qualifications

For a full list of credit pathways and requirements, see Swinburne Pathways website

For entry and admission requirements: www.swinburne.edu.au/courses

References and Relevant Websites

Recruitment Agencies specialising in Sustainability jobs

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What can I do with my TAFE qualification?

Sustainability

References and Relevant Websites

Recruitment Agencies specialising in Sustainability jobs