Manufacturing Skills Queensland recently attended the Brisbane Small Business Expo as part of Queensland Small Business Month 2026, where she had the opportunity to connect with the backbone of Queensland’s manufacturing sector – small businesses.
Industry Workforce Advisor for Manufacturing and Engineering Karen Knapton said the event was an invaluable opportunity to connect with businesses face-to-face.
“They allow me to understand the specific challenges manufacturers are facing and provide tailored advice on workforce development, training opportunities, and industry support programs. It’s about building relationships and ensuring these businesses know they have support available.
Small but mighty: Queensland’s manufacturing landscape
While large-scale manufacturing operations often dominate headlines, the reality is that small businesses form the foundation of Queensland’s manufacturing industry. These enterprises are characterised by their agility, innovation, and ability to respond quickly to market demands and emerging opportunities.
“The majority of Queensland manufacturers are small businesses, and meeting so many of them in one place really highlighted just how innovative and dynamic this sector is,” said Karen.
“These businesses are doing incredible things, often with limited resources, and their commitment to growth and excellence is truly inspiring.”
The Brisbane Small Business Expo provided an ideal platform for Karen to engage directly with business owners and operators facing real-world workforce challenges.
From skills shortages to compliance requirements, from training needs to succession planning, the conversations reflected the diverse and complex nature of running a manufacturing business in today’s environment.
Working with an Industry Workforce Advisor
The Industry Workforce Advisor program offers valuable support to small and medium-sized businesses with up to 200 employees. This program provides access to free workforce planning assistance, enabling businesses to navigate the complexities of developing a robust workforce plan.
From now until 30 November 2026, if you’re a small manufacturer and you complete a workforce plan through Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s Industry Workforce Advisor you could be eligible for a $2,000 Skills and Workforce Development Subsidy.
The subsidy is designed to support you in implementing key actions from your approved workforce plan.
Ready to start your workforce plan? For more information, connect with Karen.
The Industry Workforce Advisor program is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.
25 May 2026