Media Release: $5.06 million Investment to Advance Queensland Manufacturing

By Quinn Sunderland

9 July 2024

Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s (MSQ) first-of-its-kind 2024-25 Annual Training Plan presents a $5.06 million Miles Government investment commitment to advancing and future-proofing Queensland manufacturing.

Developed in consultation with industry, MSQ has used insights and recommendations from a six-week, in-person and online industry consultation and engagement process with more than 300 employers, leaders, professionals, and experts, held in metro and regional areas throughout Queensland earlier this year.

The 2024/2025 Plan aims to support employers with embracing transformation, sustainability practices, and strategic workforce planning to ensure a thriving future for our industry.

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Employment and Small Business and Minister for Training and Skills Development, Lance McCallum:

“We’re focussed on doing what matters for Queensland, so this new funding is about creating more secure, well-paying jobs and driving our mighty manufacturing industry forward.

“We proudly created Manufacturing Skills Queensland to future-proof the state’s manufacturing industry, and now with a golden decade of opportunity ahead of us, there’s never been more important time to invest in workforce planning and programs.

“The Miles Labor Government is committed to building a resilient and diverse workforce for our future and this first-of-its-kind investment is crucial for local workers to skill up for good, secure jobs, which will further enhance advanced manufacturing excellence in Queensland.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher:

“This new investment and plan will empower Queensland’s manufacturing sector to innovate and grow.

“The new Miles Labor Government is dedicated to leading in technological advancements and sustainability to ensure Queensland manufacturers have access to world-class opportunities – like just recently, I launched a new initiative to support manufacturers looking to gain a competitive advantage in the emerging battery manufacturing industry.

“Our vision is a thriving industry with new opportunities for all, so this plan and partnership with MSQ, alongside the strengths of the industry, position Queensland’s manufacturers for continued success.

“I’ve always said if we can make it here, we should.”

Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Officer, Manufacturing Skills Queensland, Rebecca Andrews:

“Manufacturing Skills Queensland is proud to announce our first-of-its-kind 2024-25 Annual Training Plan, highlighting our significant $5.06 million-investment to advancing Queensland manufacturing.

“The Plan has been a collaborative effort with industry to guide MSQ and Queensland Government investment in training, skills, and workforce planning and we’re grateful for the insights hundreds of industry leaders and stakeholders have shared with us over the recent months.

“Our Annual Training Plan highlights 19 important programs across our priority investment areas: attracting and engaging with new cohort; the future of trades, transformation, and leadership; training and skills; and diversity in manufacturing.

“Together, these programs aim to address some of the key issues industry has shared with us including promotion of manufacturing as an industry; job pathways challenges; current training and accreditation pathways; and suitability of talent.

“Industry is benefitting from this plan straight away with three new programs ready to start in July 2024, including our Women in Trades Mentoring; the Mental Health and Resilience Training for leaders and employees; and Leadership Excellence.

“As we roll-out MSQ’s Annual Training Plan over the next financial year, we welcome industry’s continued engagement and feedback. This is an important step towards our mission of building a skilled workforce for a future-proofed manufacturing industry.”

Some of the key MSQ’s Annual Training Plan 2024/2025 programs include:
  • Women in Trades Mentoring program $1,350,000 – providing intensive support to 100 female apprentices in their first or second year of their manufacturing apprenticeship.
  • Higher level learning subsidy $500,000 – investing in higher-level skills of leaders by facilitating access to advanced training, fostering deeper expertise, and paving the way for career progression.
  • Manufacturing General Induction programs $130,000 – co-designed with industry to help new starters improve industry knowledge gaps, and safety concerns such as work health and safety, workplace expectations.
  • Pathways to a Trade program $250,000 – providing a curriculum-based opportunity for year 11 and 12 students to experience the manufacturing industry.
About Manufacturing Skills Queensland

Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) is an independent, not-for-profit industry-led organisation that plays a crucial role in delivering industry forecasting, skills, and training to support the manufacturing sector. Supported by the Queensland Government, MSQ aims to build a sustainably skilled workforce for a future-proofed manufacturing industry.


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