Informing Queensland’s training and skills priorities for the manufactured products industry

The Manufactured Products Skills and Training Industry Reference Group (IRG) plays a pivotal role in shaping the workforce responsible for maintaining the high-quality standards in the production of functional and decorative objects, textiles, clothing and footwear and household equipment and materials. 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 manufactured products industry. 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

Manufactured Products workforce in Queensland comprises of approximately 17,700 individuals (18% 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 Furnishing (MSF) and Textiles, Clothing and Footwear (MST) training packages have 5,244 commencing students and 1,804 students completing qualifications, on average, each year.

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
  • Textiles, Clothing and Footwear
  • Pulp and Paper

The group connects respected stakeholders with a presence in Queensland. The Manufactured Products 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 the furnishings manufacturing industry 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 the manufactured products 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 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 IRG focuses on the following training packages:

  • MSF – Furnishing Training Package
  • MST – Textiles, Clothing and Footwear
  • PPM – Pulp & Paper Manufacturing

These packages cover industry qualifications from entry level (certificate I and II) to advanced and graduate diplomas in apparel, laundry, 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

David Haviland

Geofabrics Australasia Pty Ltd

Dale Lait

Gumnut Timber Products

Malcolm Kernke

Hyne Timber

Emma Conway

Hyne Timber

Beau Blakemore

National Security Screen Association

Melanie Moore

Peregian Curtains and Blinds Pty Ltd

Evangeline Agius

Technical Fabric Services

Steve Quirk

The Frontline Group

Patricia Shipp

Total Curtain Solutions

IRG Membership

What does an IRG Member do?

Members of the Manufactured Products 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 Manufactured Products sub-sectors.

How do I become an IRG Member?

What is the level of commitment for an IRG Member?

Manufactured Products 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 Manufactured Products Skills and Training Industry Reference Group 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 30 July
  • Wednesday 5 November

Project outcomes

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

Underway
Sailmaking Project

Working with a Queensland based RTO to develop the industry identified sail making qualification for the nautical, canvas goods manufacturing and civil construction sectors.

Learn more
Underway
Sewing Machine Technician Project

Identify the skills required for Sewing Machine Technicians, suitable qualifications and potential funding for training employees.

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 Manufactured Products 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