A full circle career journey
After 30 years working within the skills and employment sector, Mitch has found his calling as an Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor for Queensland’s manufacturing industry. What makes his journey particularly meaningful is that it represents a complete circle – having started his career as a fitter and turner/tool maker, he now provides crucial feedback to government to drive the skills changes needed to support industry growth and the sector’s future.
As one of Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor, Mitch works with industry to understand current and emerging trends, skill requirements, and forecast jobs growth to inform government and non-government programs and initiatives. He plays a vital role in advocating for state investment in training for industry and providing input into training package development to ensure qualifications remain relevant and responsive to manufacturing’s evolving needs. As technology advances and consumer demand transforms the manufacturing sector, his role ensures the training system keeps pace – ensuring the right training and real jobs for Queensland’s manufacturing industry.
Addressing manufacturing’s biggest challenge
Mitch identifies succession planning and attracting new workers as one of the most pressing issues facing Queensland’s manufacturing sector.
“Technology is here to stay, but gaining new workers into the sector will determine its future—new thinking, innovative ideas, and new ways of working are what the next generation will bring to manufacturing,” said Mitch.
Supporting businesses through technological transformation
Manufacturers today are navigating rapid shifts as new technologies reshape how products are designed, produced, and delivered. Mitch plays a key role in helping businesses keep pace with this evolution, guiding them toward the skills and capabilities needed to operate confidently in a technology‑driven environment.
“Technology has changed the manufacturing sector through automation and robotics. To assist businesses in embracing technology, we offer skills development programs for new and existing businesses and workers to support the change,” Mitch said.
Keeping training aligned with industry needs
As manufacturing rapidly continues to evolve, ensuring training packages and training delivery keep pace with industry is critical to the sector’s success. Outdated qualifications and training methods can leave workers unprepared for modern manufacturing environments and prevent businesses from accessing the skilled workforce they need to remain competitive.
“My role is to gather industry intelligence by getting out there and listening to what manufacturers are telling us—through site visits, direct conversations, and ongoing consultation—and feed that back into training system development. It’s vital to understand the current state of play in real time so we can ensure Queensland’s manufacturing training remains relevant, responsive, and fit-for-purpose, and identify where the system needs to evolve,” Mitch said.
Get in touch
Manufacturing businesses wanting to provide feedback on training packages, discuss emerging skill needs, or share insights about workforce challenges can connect with Mitch.
The Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor program is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.
25 May 2026