Furnishings IRG | Manufacturing Skills Queensland

Informing Queensland’s training and skills priorities for the furnishings manufacturing industry

The Furnishings Skills and Training Industry Reference Group plays a pivotal role in shaping the workforce responsible for maintaining the high-quality standards in the production of functional and decorative objects, and household equipment and material

This group brings together subject matter experts, peak bodies, unions, leaders and managers from industry to provide proactive and high-quality advice and insights on current challenges and opportunities in the furnishings industry. The group helps inform and align Queensland’s training and skills priorities, and guides the design of training programs, workforce solutions and government investment settings.

Furnishing in Queensland comprises of approximately 17,247 individuals (19.9% 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. The most recent data shows furnishing training packages receive an average of 4,375 commencing students each year, and an average of 1,498 students completing qualifications.

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About the group

The group is a ‘by invitation-only’ expert community that connects respected stakeholders with a presence in Queensland. The Furnishings Skills and Training Industry Reference Group informs MSQ’s major workforce investment and Annual Training Plan, and our Industry Skills Advisory program of work. Through its activities, the group aims to optimise the training system to industry needs and build and retain a skilled workforce within the furnishings manufacturing industry in Queensland. The focus areas for this group are:

Interior design
Furniture making and furniture finishing
Glass and glazing
Stained glass and lead-lighting
Blinds, awnings, security screens and grilles
Cabinet making
Flooring technology
Kitchens and bathrooms
Piano technology
Picture framing
Soft furnishing
Timber and composites machining
Upholstery

What we discuss

By bringing together experts in the furnishings industry 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 (VET) 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 VET 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 Advisory program.

Informing national standards and qualifications

Training packages are a key feature of Australia’s national 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:

MSF – Furnishing Training Package

This package covers furnishing industry qualifications from entry level (certificate I and II) to graduate diploma in interior design, furniture making and finishing, glass and glazing, cabinet making, picture framing, upholstery, soft furnishings, flooring and more.

Our members

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

Craig Westwood

Apprentice Employment Network QNT

Steve Coolahan

Apprentice Employment Network QNT

Glen Cannon

Australian Cabinet and Furniture Association

Melissa Baker

Australian Glass and Window Association

Paul Baxter

Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union

Andrew Drummond

emTeK Commercial Furniture

Dale Lait

Gumnut Timber Products

Malcolm Kernke

Hyne Timber

Beau Blakemore

National Security Screen Association

Melanie Moore

Peregian Curtains and Blinds Pty Ltd

Tim Cleary

Skills Insight/ForestWorks

Steve Quirk

The Frontline Group

Patricia Shipp

Total Curtain Solutions

Becoming a member

Becoming a member of the Furnishings Skills and Training Industry Reference Group involves active participation from employers, unions, and peak bodies in the furnishings industry. Representatives from these entities contribute to the group’s initiatives by providing valuable insights, sharing industry-specific strategies, and collaborating on workforce development solutions to meet the evolving needs of the furnishings manufacturing industry. If you’re interested in becoming a member, contact us.

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Guests and representatives

The Furnishings Skills and Training Industry Reference Group extends special invitations to guests and representatives to present to the group. These invited guests often include industry experts, government officials, and representatives from educational and training institutions. Presentations cover a wide range of topics, including the latest industry trends, technological advancements, regulatory updates, and innovative workforce solutions. Connect with us to get involved.

About the program

The Furnishings Skills and Training Industry Reference Group is coordinated by Manufacturing Skills Queensland through the Industry Skills Advisory program.

The Industry Skills Advisory 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 Advisory program is funded by the Queensland Government as part of Skills for Queensland – Great training for quality jobs.

Industry Reference Group – Furnishings