Shadow Minister Brendan O’Connor addresses workforce capability and availability at National Manufacturing Summit

SHADOW Minister for Employment and Industry, Science and Small and Family Business, Brendan O’Connor, will address delegates at the National Manufacturing Summit in Melbourne on August 22

According to organisers, manufacturing industry group Weld Australia, 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 Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden, “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.”

Shadow Minister O’Connor is expected to focus on both the challenges and opportunities facing manufacturing. According to Shadow Minister O’Connor, “As a country we must choose to build a nation rich in educational, training and employment opportunities, with a broad based engine of economic growth.

“Lifting skills to ensure the workforce is prepared for the jobs of the future is crucial to future employment security and better wages. It requires bipartisanship and collaboration, none of which can be achieved without leadership, a plan, and vision from the current government.”

This year marks the third National 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.

Mr Crittenden said Weld Australia members were involved almost every facet of Australian industry and make a significant contribution to the nation’s economy. Weld Australia is the Australian representative member of the International Institute of Welding (IIW). 

"The primary goal of Weld Australia is to ensure that the Australian welding industry remains locally and globally competitive, both now and into the future," Mr Crittenden said. 

https://manufacturingsummit.com.au/

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