Manufacturing skills boost for Qld

The Board of Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) has met for the first time recently. MSQ will provide manufacturers across the state with support to access the skilled workers the industry needs to continue its growth.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the Palaszczuk government is committed to driving Queensland’s manufacturing industry to new heights.

“Manufacturing Skills Queensland is an independent company fuelled by a $16.5 million Palaszczuk government investment over three years to drive the growth of the state’s manufacturing industry,” Farmer said.

“Manufacturing delivers $20 billion a year to the state’s economy, and we are determined to help the industry thrive by providing evidence-based advice and local insights on the broad range of manufacturing needs across Queensland.

“Manufacturing Skills Queensland directs future skills strategies by tracking and analysing manufacturing supply chains and industry needs and trends. It combines engagement with industry and training providers and research to develop annual training plans and recognised skills pathways.

“Manufacturing Skills Queensland is under the stewardship of Board Chairperson Michael Glover, who brings more than 20 years’ experience to the table, and six experienced Board Directors, and is the culmination of a commitment under the Making it in Queensland: Building a Stronger Manufacturing Sector policy to build the state’s manufacturing industry.”

It is more important than ever that MSQ identifies the training and skills that manufacturers will need, with special consideration for the Energy and Jobs plan, according to Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher.

“Manufacturing provides a huge boost to the economy and keeps nearly 200,000 Queenslanders employed every year, so it’s critical to have this body to help the industry continue to create good jobs and better services in this great state.”

The Palaszczuk government has made significant investment into the manufacturing industry this year, with $40 million in Made in Queensland Grants and $10 million in Manufacturing Hubs Grants — both announced in the budget — and then more than $17 million in additional funding announced early this year, to permanently fund the six manufacturing hubs across Queensland. The commitment of $16.5 million to MSQ is on top of this.

Image caption: iStock.com/gorodenkoff