2024 Manufacturing Workforce Plan aims for growth

Four key skills challenges face a manufacturing sector already worth $124 billion a year and set to grow again, according to the 2024 Manufacturing Workforce Plan released today by the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance Job and Skills Council.

The Manufacturing Alliance projected employment growth equivalent to around 120,000 additional workers, up 16.8 percent from today, by the year 2033, with its plan designed to turn challenges into solutions and begin to build the capacity of the manufacturing workforce in Australia.

With approximately 875,000 workers, the industry is facing four key challenges identified in the workforce plan:

• Attracting and increasing the pipeline of apprentices: This occurs as a result of a misunderstanding or lack of awareness of the careers in manufacturing
• Ageing workforce: An aging workforce of specialised trades/technicians creates a ‘skills retirement cliff’ if skills are not transferred or retention strategies like job transfer or redesign are not implemented
• Lack of diversity: Lack of diversity suggests the need to better incorporate women, First Nations Australians, CALD communities, and individuals with disability within the workforce to address labour force pressures
• And emerging skills, opportunities and industries: There is a need for broader and more consistent skills development that meets demand for emerging industries throughout careers (informal and formal).

The plan highlights sectors with the greatest opportunities for growth, development and expansion including the defence, clean energy, medical and space sectors, and the urgent need for skilled workers.

The CEO of the Manufacturing Alliance Sharon Robertson said that most people’s understanding of manufacturing is that it is dying out in Australia, when in fact the exact opposite is true.

“Manufacturing plays a key role in the economy. Given the projected industry growth we want to ensure that the manufacturing industry can access workers with the skills needed to shape an innovative future made right here in Australia.

“We are committed to delivering tangible solutions that address the skills and workforce challenges faced by the manufacturing industry.

“By focusing on practical, actionable strategies we are building priority actions that can offer solutions to supply side skill shortages.”

The plan outlines occupations such as mechanical engineering technicians, bakers, and pastry cooks as a focus area for retention and training.

Other sectors, including plastics and rubber machine operations, boat building, and metal trades are also set to benefit from targeted actions to enhance skills and productivity and ensure availability of a skilled workforce.

The 2024 Manufacturing Workforce Plan envisages campaigns to engage schools, community groups, and employers to highlight the variety of rewarding career opportunities in manufacturing, with a view to increasing the pipeline of apprentices and new talent.

The plan also emphasises the importance of retaining the expertise of older workers through flexible work arrangements and knowledge transfer programmes.

“Initiatives to support succession planning and mentoring will ensure that critical skills are passed on to the next generation.

“The solutions include attracting underrepresented groups by creating supportive networks, leadership training, and optimising work environments to make manufacturing more inclusive.

“A best practice toolkit will highlight successful strategies and case studies, facilitating the sharing of innovative approaches and continuous learning.”

The 2024 Manufacturing Workforce Plan follows extensive consultation with employers, industry experts, training organisations and unions.

Robertson said: “We have created a comprehensive roadmap for workforce skills development that seeks to meet the industry’s needs.”

Picture: Sharon Robertson