The National Manufacturing Workforce Forum was held last week in Melbourne. The forum brought together federal and state government ministers, industry and union leaders to discuss the development of the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance’s 2024 Manufacturing Workforce Plan. 

Engineers Australia was invited to take part in the development of strategic solutions to address workforce challenges in the Australian manufacturing sector.  

There are around 46,000 engineers working in manufacturing nationally, making up a crucial part of our manufacturing workforce. 

Engineers Australia’s General Manager, Policy and Advocacy, Jenny Mitchell attended the event and said it was great to work with so many likeminded organisations. 

“We discussed four key challenges for the manufacturing workforce and how to solve them. Such as the perception that manufacturing is a ‘dirty trade’, the lack of diversity, the skills retirement cliff and preparing the future workforce.” 

“Encouragingly Engineers Australia can contribute to the solutions, such as addressing the barriers to employment for migrant engineers in manufacturing and supporting female manufacturers through our networks and activities for women in engineering.”  

Participants heard from the Hon. Brendan O’Connor MP, Minister for Skills and Training, the new Chair of Jobs and Skills Australia, Barney Glover AO and from the Honourable Iain Ross AO, who is leading the federal government’s review into incentives for apprenticeships. 

Five young people also presented at the forum on their journeys to pursue careers in manufacturing. Two of the presenters were engineering students, including Will Vestergaard StudIEAust. 

Thank you to Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance CEO Sharon Robertson for inviting Engineers Australia to take part in the event. 

Image shows Jenny Mitchell (L) with Will Vestergaard (middle) and Randy Gunawan (R).