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You can work as a Camera Operator without formal education; however, extensive experience in the industry is necessary. Entry to this profession may be improved if you have qualifications in screen, film and television or media studies. There are many different courses Australia wide that provide great hands on experience and education in screen, media, or film and television production.

There are certificate, diploma and degree course available throughout Australia. Entry into the certificate and diploma courses usually requires completion of year 10. To gain entry into a degree course, you usually have to have finished VCE (or equivalent), and depending on the institution a certain entry score may be a pre-requisite. For non-school leavers, an interview and show reel/folio presentation is usually required.

The most competitive and advanced institution to gain entry to is the Australian Film, Television and Radio School (AFTRS) in Sydney. This is usually acquired with previous experience, and allows students to focus on one particular discipline such as Cinematography.

Other institutions with relevant course are: the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA), Swinburne University and RMIT in Victoria. They offer both TAFE and University courses such as a Bachelor of Film and Television, Graduate Diploma in Film and Television and an Advanced Diploma of Screen to name a few. These courses give a general overview and teach students many different aspects of the Film and Television industry. SAE Institute in Melbourne offers a Bachelor of Film Production and Holmesglen Institute of Tafe offers a Bachelor of Screen Production.

For employment contact all the TV Stations, show your interest in working in TV, and be open to take on any traineeship they are willing to offer you. Once in the door you can branch off to specialist areas like Camera, Lighting or Sound. Importantly, show you have been involved in a hobby relevant to that career, be involved in an amateur production, make a home video for you tube, or take an interest in photography. The TV stations do not necessarily target students with University qualifications, so making an approach directly out of school is possible, however taking on studies in communications with a technical slant, journalism or media is definitely advantageous.

Approaching the Head Cameraman at a TV station would often be the best way to start as they are the ones looking for new recruits. When you meet the person for interview, show them you have passion and are willing to work hard, demonstrate your great potential. Enthusiasm is the key.

The entry criteria for tertiary institiutions differs from year to year. The above comments are a guide only. To gain specific entry criteria either contact the relevant university or use Hobson's The Good University Guide.