Supporting Queensland’s workforce with essential skills training

Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) has engaged leading training providers to deliver a wide range of subsidised short courses across Queensland for manufacturers. This initiative aims to upskill workers in critical areas such as workplace safety, equipment operation, and manual handling and more.

Program highlights

  • MSQ will subsidise up to $300 for short courses that are part of this program.
  • Training is delivered by accredited providers including Harness Training Pty Ltd, Major Training Group, Australian Trade Training College, Worksafe Connect and SDS Training.
  • Courses are available across multiple Queensland locations such as Brisbane, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, Toowoomba, and more.
  • Programs focus on practical skills and compliance with workplace health and safety standards, including working at heights, confined spaces, forklift operation, manual handling, and emergency response.
  • To register or learn more about available courses and locations, please contact the training providers directly.

Courses available

Courses available through this program cover a broad range of essential skills and certifications designed to enhance workplace safety, operational efficiency, and compliance.

The following courses are a high priority for the program, and we’ll consider supporting other licences where the RTO has capability to deliver and there is a genuine business need.

RIIWHS202E

Enter & Work in Confined Spaces

RIIWHS204E / CPCCLRG3001

Work Safely at Heights

RIIHAN301E

Operate elevating work platform

TLILIC0003

Licence to Operate a Forklift Truck

CPCCLDG3001

Licence to perform dogging

CPCCLRG3001

Licence to perform rigging basic level

Locations and delivery partners

  • Cairns – Worksafe Connect
  • Townsville – Worksafe Connect

  • Mackay – Harness
  • Rockhampton – Harness, SDS Training
  • Gladstone – Harness, SDS Training

  • Bundaberg – Harness, SDS Training
  • Maryborough – Harness, SDS Training
  • Hervey Bay – Harness, SDS Training
  • Gympie – Harness, SDS Training

  • Sunshine Coast – Australian Trade Training College, Major Training

  • Moreton Bay –  Australian Trade Training College, Major Training
  • Greater Brisbane – Harness, SDS Training, Australian Trade Training College, Major Training
  • Gold Coast –  Australian Trade Training College, Major Training

  • Toowoomba – Harness, SDS Training

OUR PROVIDERS

This program is delivered by accredited providers, ensuring consistent, high-quality training across Queensland.

Course availability, locations, and funding are dependent on the training provider and eligibility criteria.

Australian Trade Training College

Australian Trade Training College (RTO 31399) is a leading RTO shaping Australia’s skilled workforce. With campuses across Queensland and strong industry partnerships, we deliver nationally recognised, hands-on training in Automotive, Construction, Engineering, Electrotechnology, Manufacturing and more. Our programs are built around real industry needs, ensuring students graduate job-ready while employers access skilled talent. Whether you’re a school-based trainee, apprentice, or tradie looking to upskill, we offer flexible pathways, expert trainers, and access to paid employment. With modern facilities, mentoring support, and over 19 years of success, we’ve helped thousands build rewarding trade careers.

Learn more

Harness

Since 2006, Harness (RTO 40521) has delivered specialist workforce solutions across labour supply, training, apprenticeships, and consultancy services to high-risk industries. We combine expert instructors, state-of-the-art training facilities, and an award-winning approach to help clients improve safety, performance, and operational resilience. Harness has been recognised as Queensland’s Best RTO and a Silver Finalist at the national Australian Training Awards, reflecting our commitment to training excellence.

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Major Training

Major Training Group (RTO 6139) brings over 25 years of experience delivering industry-aligned training and workforce development solutions. As a leading Registered Training Organisation (RTO 6139), we specialise in education for priority trades, partnering closely with industry to deliver practical, job-ready outcomes. Our offering includes Qualifications, Apprenticeships and Traineeships from Certificate II to Diploma level, along with machinery training, short courses and high-risk licences. We deliver training across Queensland and New South Wales through established training sites and flexible delivery models.

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SDS Training

SDS Training (RTO 32505) is a nationally recognised Registered Training Organisation delivering practical, industry-focused education that transforms ambition into achievement. Built by industry professionals, our job-ready programs deliver real-world skills employers value. With flexible online, distance, and face-to-face delivery, SDS Training makes quality education accessible for modern learners balancing work, life, and career growth. Partnering with industry bodies such as Manufacturing Skills Queensland, we reduce barriers and create real career opportunities. SDS Training isn’t just about qualifications — it’s about confidence, competence, and career transformation.

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Worksafe Connect

WorkSafe Connect (RTO 31385) is a Queensland-based provider of practical workplace health and safety training, supporting manufacturers since 2006. We deliver nationally recognised safety, compliance, and risk management training focused on outcomes that transfer directly to the job. Courses include WHS, risk management, confined spaces, working at heights, fire safety, first aid, HRWL, machinery competencies, and verification of competency, supporting manufacturers across food and beverage, warehousing and distribution, fabrication, packaging, and industrial operations. Training is delivered onsite at client workplaces across Queensland, online, or via public courses in Brisbane and Townsville—backed by experienced trainers, streamlined booking, and reliable and friendly end-to-end support.

Learn more

Eligibility criteria

Business eligibility

Small to medium manufacturing businesses (<200 Employees) located in Queensland

Manufacturing capabilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Aerospace and Defence
  • General Manufacturing and Engineering
  • Food and Beverage
  • Chemicals, Hydrocarbon, and Refining
  • Furnishings and Other Products
  • Meat and Seafood Processing
  • Textiles, Clothing, and Footwear
  • Printing and Graphic Arts
  • Pulp, Paper, and Packaging
  • Polymers, Plastic, and Rubber
  • Pharmaceuticals and Medical Technology
  • Renewables and Low Carbon
  • Timber and Wood
  • Supporting Capabilities including Laboratory Operations, Sustainability, and Process Plant Operations

Participant eligibility

Employees of small to medium Queensland manufacturing businesses with <200 Employees:

  • Permanent Qld resident
  • Permanent resident or Australian citizen
  • One subsidy per employee.
Contact us if you have any questions
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Funding acknowledgement

Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) is an independent body established by the Queensland Government to build a sustainably skilled workforce for a future-proofed manufacturing industry. Manufacturing Skills Queensland is funded by the Queensland Government.

QLD Queensland