New manufacturing industry body to conduct its first meeting

The Board of Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) will meet for the first time today. MSQ will provide manufacturers across the state with essential support to access the skilled workers the industry needs to continue its impressive growth.

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the Palaszczuk Government is committed to driving Queensland’s manufacturing industry to new heights.

“Manufacturing Skills Queensland is an independent company fuelled by a $16.5 million Palaszczuk Government investment over three years to drive the growth of the state’s manufacturing industry,” Minister Farmer said.

“Manufacturing delivers $20 billion a year to the state’s economy, and we are determined to help the industry thrive by providing evidence-based advice and local insights on the broad range of manufacturing needs across Queensland.

“Manufacturing Skills Queensland directs 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.

“Manufacturing Skills Queensland is under the stewardship of Board Chairperson Michael Glover who brings more than 20 years’ experience to the table, and six experienced Board Directors, and is the culmination of a commitment under the Making it in Queensland: Building a Stronger Manufacturing Sector policy to build the state’s manufacturing industry.”

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher said it is more important than ever that Manufacturing Skills Queensland identifies the training and skills that our manufacturers will need, with special consideration for the Energy and Jobs plan.

“Manufacturing provides a huge boost to the economy and keeps nearly 200,000 Queenslanders employed every year, so it’s critical to have this body to help the industry continue to create good jobs and better services in this great state.”

The Commitment of $16.5 million to Manufacturing Skills Queensland, is on top of existing significant investment in the manufacturing industry by the Palaszczuk Government just this year, including $40 million in Made in Queensland Grants and $10 million in Manufacturing Hubs Grants – both announced in the budget - and then more than $17 million in additional funding announced early this year, to permanently fund the six manufacturing hubs across Queensland.

“We are delivering essential support manufacturers across Queensland, particularly in our regions, and the establishment of MSQ is an important part of further enhancing that support because we know it’s critical this industry has the skilled workers needed for the future opportunities that are coming on board, particularly off the back of significant investments like the $62 billion Energy and Jobs plan,” Minister Butcher said.

Minister Farmer said a workforce with skills tailored to industry needs was essential to future growth.

“Manufacturing Skills Queensland will review training for workers and small and medium businesses to help them build skills and capability,” Minister Farmer said.

“Our investment again highlights the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to creating a skilled workforce and delivering good jobs for all Queenslanders now and into the future.”

Directors of the Board, Manufacturing Skills Queensland:

Director and Chairperson

• Mr Michael Glover – over 20 years working across executive roles within the public and private sectors including exposure to major civil and regional development functions.

Directors

• Mr Des Watkins – Director of Watkins Steel (Employer Representative)
• Ms Natalene Carter – Director of RID Australia and the Senior Executive Operations Manager of Dy-Mark (Employer Representative)
• Ms Ann-Marie Allan – Executive Officer for the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (Employee Representative)
• Mr James Wilson – Queensland Branch Vice President of the Australian Workers’ Union (Employee Representative).
• Mr Steve Koch – Deputy Director-General, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training
• Ms Bernadette Zerba – Deputy Director General, Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water

ENDS

Media contact: Nicola Field 0497 940 285