Informing Queensland’s engineering, defence manufacturing and aeroskills training and skills priorities for the manufacturing industry

The Engineering, Defence Manufacturing and Aeroskills (EDMA) Skills and Training Industry Reference Group (IRG) plays a pivotal role in shaping the workforce responsible for the high-quality standards of designing, building, maintenance and use of engines, machines, structures, and products which underpin much of the manufacturing and other industries vital to the Queensland economy. This IRG brings together subject matter experts, peak bodies, unions, and leaders and managers from industry to provide proactive and high-quality advice and insights on current challenges and opportunities in the engineering sector. The work of the IRG helps inform and align Queensland’s training and skills priorities, and guides the design of training programs, workforce solutions and government investment settings.

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About the group

Engineering in Queensland comprising approximately 81,600 individuals (24% of the national total), and contributes significantly to the Australian economy, making it crucial to ensure that training reflects current industry and training delivery needs. Most recent data shows Aeroskills (MEA), Metal and Engineering (MEM) and Sustainability (MSS) training packages have 14,842 commencing students and 6,537 students completing qualifications, on average, each year.

The group connects respected stakeholders with a presence in Queensland. The EDMA Skills and Training Industry Reference Group informs MSQ’s major workforce investment and Annual Training Plan, and our Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor program of work. Through its activities, the group aims to optimise the training system to industry needs and build and retain a skilled workforce in Queensland, Australia.

*Data is correct at 11/03/2025. Sources: ABS, Labour Force, detailed (Table EQ06) and NCVER, Total VET students and courses.

What we discuss

By bringing together experts in engineering, defence manufacturing and aeroskills we can collectively achieve more, driving the sustainability and transformation of the broader manufacturing industry. A future-proofed manufacturing industry is at the heart of our discussion. The Industry Reference Group meets to:

  • Review the effectiveness and suitability of the Queensland Government’s annual investment in vocational education and training to support skilling, jobs growth, and employment opportunities.
  • Identify evidence of unmet demands, current and emerging trends, and discuss innovative solutions.
  • Inform and contribute to the national vocational education and training reform agenda, including the development of training package products.
  • Advocate for quality in training as the stewards of industry.
  • Inform the ongoing program of work for Manufacturing Skills Queensland and our role as part of the Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor program. 

Informing national standards and qualifications

Training packages are a key feature of Australia’s national vocational education and training (VET) system. The Industry Reference Group supports Manufacturing Skills Queensland provide advice about training and skills opportunities and challenges in relevant training packages.

The work of the Industry Reference Group focuses on the following training packages:

  • MEM – Manufacturing and Engineering
  • MSM – Manufacturing
  • MSS – Sustainability
  • MEA – Aeroskills

These packages cover engineering qualifications from entry level (certificate I and II) to graduate diploma in engineering, watch and jewellery manufacture, aircraft, marine craft, recreational vehicles, process manufacturing, competitive systems and more.

Our members

The Industry Reference Group consists of experts and leaders from manufacturing businesses, employer bodies, industry peak bodies and unions, to support a skilled and future-proofed workforce.

Grant Menzies

Adina Watches

Paul Watson

Adina Watches

Craig Westwood

Apprentice Employment Network QNT

Steve Coolahan

Apprentice Employment Network QNT

Philip Shanks

Australian Construction Modellers Association

Peter Canavan

Australian Industry Group

Paul Baxter

Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union

John Gardner

Australian Steel Institute

Emma Creasey

Boeing Defence Australia Ltd

Craig Dorrstein

Driveline Services Australia

Erin Kiernan

Defence Industry Hub – North

Adam Lassiq

Callide Manufacturing

Malcolm Garrick

Central Queensland University

Jacinta Lanigan

Downer Group

Darren Beattie

Engineers Australia

Tim Billing

Eptec Group, and Australasian Corrosion Association (ACA)

Andrew Howard

GE Aerospace

Glen Chatterton

Hastings Deering

Lee Jones

HYTEK Framing

Adam Myers

Industry Expert

Courteney Duncan

McDermott Aviation

Andrew Harvey

McDermott Aviation

Glen Langford

Metal-Tech Industries

Penny Barby

Mike’s Sewing Machine Repairs

Chris Bush

ProtoNautics

Mal Kitto

Richie’s Engineering Services

Alexa Velasquez

Sharpe Engineering

David Brice

Stoddart

Steffen Geries

Stralis

Deidre Roos-Korf

TAE Aerospace

Kate Rogers

TAE Aerospace

John Bucknell

Technofast

Richard Parker

TEi Services Pty Ltd

Mitchell Upton

Upton Engineering and Manufacturing

JP Shelburn

XL Service Bodies Pty Ltd

IRG Membership

What does an IRG member do?

Members of the Engineering, Defence Manufacturing and Aeroskills Skills and Training Industry Reference Group draw on their expertise to share valuable insights and provide advice to the Queensland government in relation to:

  • Skills and workforce policy and investment.
  • The suitability of national training packages, qualifications and units of competency.
  • Regional and sub-industry skills and workforce issues, needs and opportunities.
  • Technological advancements and requirements.

IRG members also provide advice to MSQ in relation to the scoping and implementation of of our Annual Training Plan and associated programs and contribute to the development of:

  • an action plan to guide ISJA and IRG activities; and
  • projects and strategies to address regional and state-wide skills and workforce issues to meet the evolving needs of the Engineering, Defence Manufacturing and Aerospace sub-industries.

How do I become an IRG member?

What is the level of commitment for an IRG Member?

Engineering, Defence Manufacturing and Aerospace Skills and Training Industry Reference Group meetings are held quarterly via Teams for up to two hours. IRG members will also have the opportunity to attend a range of stakeholder events and forums throughout the year.

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Guests and representatives

The Engineering, Defence Manufacturing and Aerospace Skills and Training Industry Reference Group often extends invitations to guests including industry experts, government officials, and representatives from educational and training institutions. Guests will often deliver presentations covering a wide range of topics, including the latest industry trends, technological advancements, regulatory updates, new skills and workforce investment and programs and innovative workforce solutions.

MSQ welcomes proposals from relevant organisations to present to the IRG and please contact us if you would like to get involved.

Contact us

Upcoming meetings

The Industry Reference Group meets at least four times each year. The group may meet in addition to this and by exception where necessary. Meetings are held virtually to enable attendance from across Queensland.

2025 meeting dates
  • Wednesday 25 June
  • Wednesday 22 October

Project outcomes

The Industry Reference Group has supported the development of a range of projects to meet industry skills and workforce needs including those below:

Underway
Skills Shortage Project

Identify engineering occupations which are currently in skills shortage within the regions of Queensland and develop strategies which will attract potential apprentices to be skilled.

Learn more
Underway
Electroplating Skilling Project

Provide a skilling solution for businesses that require electroplating skills, of which the units of competency exist however they are not being delivered in Queensland though the relevant qualifications are funded.

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Underway
A man wearing factory clothing talking to four other people
Aerospace Talent Development Project

The Aerospace Talent Development Project is a Queensland Government funded, industry-driven initiative with the goal of attracting new talent to the industry. A steering committee will support project implementation.

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Underway
Skills Shortage Project

Identify engineering occupations which are currently in skills shortage within the regions of Queensland and develop strategies which will attract potential apprentices to be skilled.

Learn more
Underway
A worker wearing industrial gloves and goggles showing a student a piece of machinery
Degree Apprenticeship

A pilot that combines a degree in engineering with a Certificate III trade qualification, all delivered as an apprenticeship. Combining theoretical and practical skills gained and applied in the workplace.

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Completed
Advanced Welding Projects

Funded through the Queensland Government’s VET Emerging Industries Manufacturing Fund, this project will enhance the interstate and international competitiveness of Queensland manufacturers by upskilling existing workers and ensure the units of competence are available to be included in future training plans for Certificate III, IV and diploma apprentices and trainees.

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Completed
Advanced Machining Skills

Develop the Learning and Assessment materials of nine units of competence so that apprentices can acquire advanced machining skills within their certificate IV apprenticeship.

Learn more

Become a group member or join us as a guest

If you want to join this group or attend as a guest, please fill out the form to submit your interest.

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Consent

About the program

The Engineering, Defence Manufacturing and Aeroskills Skills and Training Industry Reference Group is coordinated by Manufacturing Skills Queensland through the Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor program.

The Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor program is an initiative of the Queensland Government, designed to support employer, small business and industry connect and engage with the training sector, government programs and investment.

The Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor program is funded by the Queensland Government.

QLD Queensland