Way forward for manufacturing

MANUFACTURERS need to work with educators and each other to grow into the future.
This was one finding of the manufacturing workforce study report, launched at the Manufacturing Skills Australia symposium on 8 April.
The Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency consulted the industry, unions and the tertiary education sector to examine the impact on jobs and skills in the years to 2025 of Australian manufacturing’s shift from heavy industrial to technologically advanced production.
It found that despite recent downturns and closures in some sub-sectors, manufacturing in Australia could have a positive future.
The report recommended industry-wide collaboration on skill development, continued Australian Government support for programs that help businesses to up-skill, reviewing and revising management training and pursuing strategies to help vulnerable workers transition to new roles.
It also recommended better promotion of the range of manufacturing jobs available.
Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency chairman Philip Bullock said the industry was Australia’s fourth largest employer, made a disproportionately large contribution to export revenue and played a critical role in innovation.
“To remain competitive, Australian manufacturing needs to transition to a more diverse, high-end base, where there will be a stronger focus on research and innovation and more niche manufacturing of complex, high value-added goods,” he said.
Mr Bullock said raising skill levels in this workforce would be critical.
“Particularly science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) skills and improved management skills, to provide the technical and leadership capacity to drive the sector’s transition,” he said.
“Deeper engagement will also be needed between manufacturers and universities and research bodies to ensure the supply of the higher skills required and to drive innovation through research.”
The Australian Workforce and Productivity Agency is an independent statutory authority which advises the Australian Government on Australia’s skills and workforce development needs.