Event wrap-up: Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s inaugural industry event

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s inaugural industry event held on Jagera and Turrbal country at the Brisbane Powerhouse last night.

It was a fantastic evening celebrating, connecting with, and learning from inspiring, diverse leaders across Queensland’s manufacturing industry on how we can all work together to build a thriving workforce ready for the future.

We were honoured to hear from the Minister for Employment and Small Business, Minister for Training and Skills Development and Minister for Youth Justice, the Honourable Di Farmer MP; and the Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing and Minister for Water, the Honourable Glenn Butcher MP on the Queensland Government investment commitments provided to support our industry and MSQ.

We also heard from MSQ’s newly appointed CEO Rebecca Andrews (seven days into her new role) who shared about the work MSQ has begun in partnership with industry since it was founded and funded by the Queensland Government to build a sustainable skills pathway of the future – and support an industry that’s productive, inclusive and globally competitive.

This included sharing MSQ’s strategic plan, its evolving Annual Training Plan, and MSQ’s Industry Workforce Advisors and Industry Skills Advisor programs led in partnership with the Queensland Government to engage and support the industry with the skills and opportunities needed to build a thriving future in manufacturing.

The centrepiece for the event was our industry panel discussion led by emcee EGR Group General Manager and former professional rugby player for the Wallabies and Queensland Reds, James Horwill, and joined by Feline Executive Director  Dr Kymberley Talbot; JRS Group co-founder and Chief Operations Jasmine Riddle; and Xtreme Engineering Construction Manager Luke Lanzon.

It was a rich panel discussion sharing the diverse challenges and opportunities each organisation faces, from skills shortages; to attracting staff including to the regions; adapting to technology changes; engaging with future generations; and how they’re training for the future. They also provided insights on how MSQ and industry can work together to ensure our industry is one that’s world-leading in skills and training.

MSQ is passionate about continuing the discussion and collaboration with industry, and invites you to provide feedback and input to our ongoing plans and programs via our new website msq.org.au