First board meeting of Manufacturing Skills Queensland to be held

A new body aiming to help Queensland’s manufacturers access skilled workers will hold its first meeting on Wednesday.

Manufacturing Skills Queensland is an independent company allocated $16.5 million over three years in state government funding.

MSQ is chaired by Michael Glover, described in a statement from the Queensland government as having “over 20 years working across executive roles within the public and private sectors including exposure to major civil and regional development”, and six directors.

Directors include Des Watkins from Watkins Steel and Natalene Carter of RID Australia as employer representatives, Ann-Marie Allan of the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union and James Wilson of the Australian Workers’ Union as employee representatives, and a representative each from the departments of employment and regional development.

Skills minister Di Farmer said the organisation will direct “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.

Picture: credit Queensland government