The Hon Gayle Tierney MP, Minister for Minister for Training and Skills and Minister for Higher Education, will address delegates at the ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Manufacturing Summit on Thursday 22 August.
There is widespread evidence that Australia’s manufacturing sector is experiencing a period of sustained growth. In July, the Australian Industry Group Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index (Australian PMI®) rose by 1.9 points to 51.3, indicating growth across manufacturing production, sales, exports and new orders.
However, industry participants continue to cite a critical constraint: workforce capability and availability.
According to Geoff Crittenden (CEO, Weld Australia), “Finding and retaining skilled workers is front of mind for manufacturing industry business owners and operators, as is maintaining currency of skills and knowledge.”
“Australia requires a significant increase in skilled, qualified trades workers to meet future demand on major projects in industries as diverse as defence, shipbuilding, aerospace, infrastructure, rolling stock, and resources.”
“A targeted strategy for workforce development is crucial and will require the manufacturing industry, federal and state governments, and the VET sector to work together to ensure its success.”
Minister Tierney will focus on manufacturing workforce capability and availability. She will touch on how the Victorian Government is investing in more places through TAFEs and training organisations in areas that meet the skills needs of Victorian industries and priority workforces.
With the Victorian Government already investing in apprenticeship initiatives, including $5.6 million for the Big Build and Social Services higher apprenticeships, Victorians are being given new opportunities to earn while they learn at higher qualification levels. According to Minister Tierney, more Victorians will get the skills they need to secure the jobs created by the Victorian Government, with more training and better facilities.
2019 marks the third ³Ô¹ÏÍøÕ¾ Manufacturing Summit; the event was held in both 2018 and 2017 at Australian Parliament House in Canberra. Attended each year by over 100 delegates, the Summit program is designed to open new ground in the policy dialogue over how to sustain and nurture manufacturing: a vital segment of Australia’s economy. The 2019 Summit will be held at the Australian Synchrotron in Clayton, Melbourne.
