Occupation Description

Product designers create and produce designs for industrial, commercial and medical products. They also make models and prototypes of these designs for mass production. The products cover a wide range of manufactured goods in cast and light metals and heavy machinery and equipment; anything from toys and toasters to switchboard cabinets and computer cases, from furniture and garden tools to heavy machinery and equipment. Working in plastics, rubber and cablemaking a designer may create new automotive components, friction free plastic bearings, or cables that have better anti-corrosion properties or provide ‘lossless' data transfer. Some of the work of a product designer is carried out on the development of new products whilst some is related to updating and improving the design of existing products.

Product designers may…

Product designers work closely with others in the field such as engineers, manufacturers, market researchers, marketing consultants, drafters and product testing staff. Most industrial designers work for manufacturing firms. They may also work for private consultancies and government departments.

Most designers should expect to spend several years after graduation engaged in industry gaining experience as staff designers before attempting to enter the highly demanding field of design consulting. Most manufacturers prefer industrial designers to have had some previous commercial experience.

Product designers work in studios when creating and refining designs by hand and-or computer-aided design. They may also spend time in the field observing and researching product usage and in manufacturing plants observing production methods and collecting information about new materials and production processes.

Personal Requirements

You should

Training

To become a product designer you usually have to complete a Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology. You can also work at even higher levels within this occupation and sector. Product designers can with experience, and possibly further training, work in more technical, supervisory and manufacturing management occupations (Certificate IV in Manufacturing Technology , Diploma of Manufacturing Technology, Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology or Degree).

Of course you can continue to progress further along a career pathway that could see you in a number of other senior management positions.

After gaining some industry experience, graduates may qualify for full membership of the Design Institute of Australia.

Certificate III in Manufacturing Technology
Certificate IV in Manufacturing Technology
Diploma of Manufacturing Technology
Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology
Degree

Earnings, Job and Employment Prospects

For detailed information about earnings, job and employment prospects for this occupation, go to the Australian JobSearch Careers page and click on Job Outlook .

Printed Resources

The INFOSHEET PDFs provide information about the Manufacturing Industry and its various sectors and occupations. To view and print these documents click RESOURCES (you will need to have Adobe Reader ® installed).

Where Can I Go From This Job?

To find out more about potential Manufacturing career possibilities click PATHWAYS.