Jobs and Skills Council established for manufacturing industry

The Hon Brendan O'Connor, Minister for Skills and Training has announced that the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance (Manufacturing Alliance) has been established as the Jobs and Skills Council (JSC) for the manufacturing industry.

Formerly IBSA Group, the Manufacturing Alliance is an industry-owned and -led organisation supporting the development of skilled workforces enabling modern manufacturing and associated industries to succeed. It works with stakeholders across Australia, including employers, unions, educators, learners and governments.

Jobs and Skills Councils have been established by the Australian Government to bring industry representatives together, with balanced representation from unions and employers, to identify and deliver the workforce skills that are needed for strong, competitive and sustainable industry.

“I am excited about the benefit that the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance will provide to its industry and workers. The Manufacturing Alliance will play a key leadership role in shaping the future of manufacturing in Australia. We are providing considerable support to ensure workers have the right skills now, and in the future, and Jobs and Skills Councils are a key part of making this happen,” O'Connor said.

Sharon Robertson, Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance CEO, said it is necessary for the industry to have a workforce with the right skills to capitalise on future growth.

“If the collaboration we have seen from governments, unions, employers and training providers while we were establishing the Manufacturing Alliance is anything to go by, then we are well placed to make a tangible difference to industry and its workforce,” she said.

The Manufacturing Alliance supports various industries, from metal fabrication, print, food manufacturing and aerospace through to polymers, pharmaceutical manufacturing and laboratory operations, as well as emerging industries such as space.

JSCs work with government to advocate for industry and create efficient training systems for workers, employers and the wider Australian economy. They move beyond a narrow focus on training package development, which was a feature of the Skills Service Organisation model, to address system-wide barriers from a labour market perspective.

“These new JSCs will act as a source of intelligence on issues affecting their industries and provide valuable leadership and advice in addressing skills and workforce challenges,” O’Connor said.

They focus on workforce needs and skills development with a strong emphasis on building partnerships between industry and the vocational education and training sector.

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