Work in the manufacturing sector involves creating new products from raw materials, such as metals, beverages, chemicals, furniture, food, textiles, petroleum, transport, plastics, minerals, paper, machinery, printing and wood. The sector is trying to compete with global companies and so newer technology is being created. This means there are great opportunities for those skilled in technology, engineering, science and mathematics.

Australia is one of the top five producers of most the world's mineral commodities. Western Australia and Queensland are the two most resource rich states. Mining extracts resources such as coal and ores, crude petroleum and gases. The work usually takes place in remote regions where mines, quarries or oil and gas wells are operated. There are both skilled and non skilled roles available and opportunities to progress..

Engineers design and build a whole range of specialised things such as: roads, bridges, telecommunications systems, electronic equipment as well as designing projects such as to protect the environment or reduce waste. Engineers tend to be highly specialised in one particular field. This is also a growth industry with a need for skilled workers.