Informing Queensland’s training and skills priorities for general manufacturing

The General Manufacturing Skills and Training Industry Reference Group (IRG) plays a pivotal role in shaping the workforce responsible for the high-quality standards of manufactured products in Queensland.

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 manufacturing. 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

General Manufacturing workforce in Queensland comprises of approximately 37,800 individuals (17% 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 Chemical, Hydrocarbon and Refining (PMA), Laboratory Operations (MSL), Manufacturing (MSM), Plastics, Rubber and Cablemaking (PMA) and Printing and Graphic Arts (ICP) training packages have 7,530 commencing students and 5,454 students completing qualifications, on average, each year.

The group connects respected stakeholders with a presence in Queensland. The General Manufacturing 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 within general manufacturing 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 manufacturing we can collectively achieve more, driving the sustainability and transformation of the broader 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 Advisory 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 IRG focuses on the following training packages:

  • ICP – Printing and Graphic Arts
  • MSL – Laboratory Operations
  • MSM – Manufacturing
  • MEM – Manufacturing and Engineering
  • PMA – Chemical, Hydrocarbons and Refining
  • PMB – Plastics, Rubber and Cablemaking

These packages cover relevant qualifications from entry level (certificate I and II) to graduate diploma across a diverse spectrum of manufacturing.

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.

Greg McGarvie

ACE Electric Vehicles Group

Peter Canavan

Ai Group

Craig Westwood

Apprentice Employment Network

Steve Coolahan

Apprentice Employment Network

Paul Baxter

Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union

John Gardner

Australian Steel Institute

Anne Lobascher

Australian Steel Institute

Maria Hobbs

Boating Industry Association Ltd

Jason Plant

Caravan Trade & Industries Association of Queensland

Malcolm Garrick

Central Queensland University

Matthieu Anquetil

Century Yuasa Batteries

Mark Carter

Cooler Pty Ltd

Wayne Costain

DRKLBL (Screenprinting)

Mark Steiner

HE TECH

Larissa Iglesias

HE TECH

Sheree Lamont

Minecorp Australia

Jem Gowen

Minecorp Australia

Roger Carter

Queensland Plastics Industry Training Committee Inc

Keira Badke

Riviera Australia Pty Ltd

Gavin North

RJS Tech Pty Ltd

Samantha Massey

StyroMAX Australia Pty Ltd

Alison Price

Waste and Recycling Industry Queensland (WRIQ)

Jenna Lloyd

Zone RV

IRG Membership

What does an IRG Member do?

Members of the General Manufacturing 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 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 manufacturing sector.

How do I become an IRG Member?

What is the level of commitment for an IRG Member?

General Manufacturing 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 General Manufacturing 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, 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 18 June
  • Wednesday 15 October

Project outcomes

The Industry Reference Group has supported the development of a number of current projects.

Underway
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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Underway
TCF Funding & Training Project

Sourced funding for the development and implementation of a Certificate III level qualification with both a textile and a clothing manufacturing stream, skilling for eighty existing workers across Queensland.

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Underway
Hydrogen Skilling Project

Ensure Queensland educators stand at the cutting edge of hydrogen skill development so that the workforce has access to world-class hydrogen training which will underpin domestic utilisation and export.

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Underway
Green Ammonia Manufacturing Project

Funded through the Queensland Government’s VET Emerging Industries Manufacturing Fund, this project will research and build comprehensive courses, training and learning materials for the ammonia production industry to underpin the skills development of a growing workforce, driven by the expanding renewable energy industry as well as assisting to decarbonise other sub-industries.

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Completed
Competitive Systems and Practice

Conducted extensive consultations with industry to gather evidence which would assist Government make an informed decision on investment settings which would facilitate businesses skilling more workers through funded training.

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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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About the program

The General Manufacturing 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 Advisory program is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.

QLD Queensland