Informing Queensland’s training and skills priorities for general manufacturing

The General Manufacturing Skills and Training Industry Reference Group plays a pivotal role in shaping the workforce responsible for the high-quality standards of manufactured products in Queensland.

This group brings together subject matter experts, peak bodies, unions, leaders and managers from industry to provide proactive and high-quality advice and insights on current challenges and opportunities in manufacturing. The group helps inform and align Queensland’s training and skills priorities, and guides the design of training programs, workforce solutions and government investment settings.

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About the group

General Manufacturing in Queensland comprises of approximately 37,036 individuals (18.0% of the national total), and contributes significantly to the Australian economy, making it crucial to ensure that training reflects current industry and training delivery needs. The most recent data shows General Manufacturing training packages receive an average of 5,410 commencing students each year, and an average of 3,928 students completing qualifications.

The group is a ‘by invitation-only’ expert community that connects respected stakeholders with a presence in Queensland. The General Manufacturing Skills and Training Industry Reference Group informs MSQ’s major workforce investment and Annual Training Plan, and our Industry Skills Advisory program of work. Through its activities, the group aims to optimise the training system to industry needs and build and retain a skilled workforce within general manufacturing in Queensland.

What we discuss

By bringing together experts in manufacturing we can collectively achieve more, driving the sustainability and transformation of the broader industry. A future-proofed manufacturing industry is at the heart of our discussion. The Industry Reference Group meets to:

  • Review the effectiveness and suitability of the Queensland Government’s annual investment in Vocational Education and Training (VET) to support skilling, jobs growth, and employment opportunities.
  • Identify evidence of unmet demands, current and emerging trends, and discuss innovative solutions.
  • Inform and contribute to the national VET reform agenda, including the development of training package products.
  • Advocate for quality in training as the stewards of industry.
  • Inform the ongoing program of work for Manufacturing Skills Queensland and our role as part of the Industry Skills Advisory program.

Informing national standards and qualifications

Training packages are a key feature of Australia’s national VET system. The Industry Reference Group supports Manufacturing Skills Queensland provide advice about training and skills opportunities and challenges in relevant training packages.

The work of the Industry Reference Group focuses on the following training packages:

  • ICP – Printing and Graphic Arts
  • MEA – Aeroskills
  • MSL – Laboratory Operations
  • MSM – Manufacturing
  • MSS – Sustainability
  • MST – Textiles, Clothing and Footwear
  • PMA – Chemical, Hydrocarbons and Refining
  • PMB – Plastics, Rubber and Cablemaking
  • PPM – Pulp and Paper Manufacturing

These packages cover relevant qualifications from entry level (certificate I and II) to graduate diploma across the full spectrum of manufacturing.

Our members

The Industry Reference Group consists of experts and leaders from employers, employer bodies, and unions, to support a skilled and future-proofed workforce.

Greg McGarvie

ACE Electric Vehicles Group

Peter Canavan

Ai Group

Craig Westwood

Apprentice Employment Network QNT

Steve Coolahan

Apprentice Employment Network QNT

Paul Baxter

Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union

Andrew Fielding

Boating Industry Association Ltd

Jarrod Dotti

Boeing Defence Australia Ltd

Sharron Newby

Boeing Defence Australia Ltd

Jason Plant

Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Queensland

Matthieu Anquetil

Century Yuasa Batteries

Mark Carter

Cooler Pty Ltd

Andrew Howard

GE Aerospace

Mark Steiner

HE TECH

Larissa Iglesias

HE TECH

Adam Myers

McDermott Aviation (McDermott Group) through AIM Consulting

Roger Carter

Queensland Plastics Industry Training Committee Inc.

Steffen Geries

Steffen Geries

Samantha Massey

StyroMAX Australia Pty Ltd

Deidre Roos-Korf

TAE Aerospace

Kate Rogers

TAE Aerospace

Evangeline Agius

Technical Fabric Services

Alison Price

Waste and Recycling Industry Queensland (WRIQ)

Becoming a member

Becoming a member of the General Manufacturing Skills and Training Industry Reference Group involves active participation from employers, unions, and peak bodies in the industry. Representatives from these entities contribute to the group’s initiatives by providing valuable insights, sharing industry-specific strategies, and collaborating on workforce development solutions to meet the evolving needs of general manufacturing. If you’re interested in becoming a member, contact us.

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Guests and representatives

The General Manufacturing Skills and Training Industry Reference Group extends special invitations to guests and representatives to present to the group. These invited guests often include industry experts, government officials, and representatives from educational and training institutions. Presentations cover a wide range of topics, including the latest industry trends, technological advancements, regulatory updates, and innovative workforce solutions. Connect with us to get involved.

Contact us

Upcoming meetings

The Industry Reference Group meets at least four times each year. The group may meet in addition to this and by exception where necessary. Meetings are held virtually to enable attendance from across Queensland.

2024 meeting dates:
  • 14 February
  • 1 May
  • 7 August
  • 30 October

Completed projects

The Industry Reference Group has supported the development of a number of current projects.

Underway
Degree apprenticeship

A pilot that combines a degree in engineering with a certificate III trade qualification, all delivered as an apprenticeship. Combining theoretical and practical skills gained and applied in the workplace.

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Underway
TCF Funding & Training Project

Sourced funding for the development and implementation of a Certificate III level qualification with both a textile and a clothing manufacturing stream. skilling for eighty existing workers across QLD.

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Underway
Hydrogen Skilling Project

Ensure Queensland educators stand at the cutting edge of hydrogen skill development so that the workforce has access to world-class hydrogen training which will underpin domestic utilisation and export.

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Underway
Green Ammonia Manufacturing Project

Funded through the Queensland Government’s VET Emerging Industries Manufacturing Fund, this project will research and build comprehensive courses, training and learning materials for the ammonia production industry to underpin the skills development of a growing workforce, driven by the expanding renewable energy industry as well as assisting to decarbonise other sub-industries.

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Underway
Aerospace Talent Development Project

The Aerospace Talent Development project is a Queensland Government funded, industry-driven initiative with the goal of attracting new talent to the industry. A steering committee will support project implementation.

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Completed
Competitive Systems and Practice

Conducted extensive consultations with industry to gather evidence which would assist Government make an informed decision on investment settings which would facilitate businesses skilling more workers through funded training.

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Become a group member, join us as a guest, or attend an event

If you want to join this group, attend as a guest, or register to attend our engagement event series, please fill out the form to submit your interest.

Express your interest

About the program

The General Manufacturing Skills and Training Industry Reference Group is coordinated by Manufacturing Skills Queensland through the Industry Skills Advisory program.

The Industry Skills Advisory program is an initiative of the Queensland Government, designed to support employer, small business and industry connect and engage with the training sector, government programs and investment.

The Industry Skills Advisory program is funded by the Queensland Government as part of Skills for Queensland – Great training for quality jobs.

QLD Queensland