A new report from Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) examines how the state’s manufacturing sector can adapt its training systems to support workers as digital technologies become more common in production environments.
The Future of Trades in Manufacturing report looks at how Queensland’s $29 billion manufacturing sector is gradually integrating new technologies, and what this means for trade training and workforce development.
Queensland’s manufacturing sector employs 171,100 people and contributes 19.5% of national manufacturing economic value. The report finds that while many manufacturers are beginning to adopt technologies like automation and digital systems, training qualifications have been slower to reflect these changes.
MSQ’s acting chief executive Kris McCue said that while traditional trades continue to underpin the sector, but the skill requirements within those trades are broadening.
“Employers are increasingly looking for workers who can combine practical trade expertise with emerging digital and technical competencies.
“Manufacturing transformation moves at different speeds: our approach must balance support for early Industry 4.0 adopters while respecting businesses that thrive with traditional methods.”
The report examined 12 key manufacturing occupations across fundamental trades, emerging roles, and support positions. It identified areas where current qualifications could better prepare learners, particularly around:
“Digital capability, automation, data fluency, and sustainable practices are no longer niche – they are becoming core requirements across trade roles,” Kris says.
“While foundational trade skills remain essential, we must now embed new layers of technical, digital, and cross-disciplinary expertise into our vocational training.”
The report identifies a growing misalignment between what manufacturers need and what the training system currently delivers. Consultation with industry revealed employers struggling to find workers with the right blend of traditional and digital skills, while existing qualifications remain anchored to older production models.
“We don’t need wholesale disruption. It’s about practical and achievable reform by updating training products, investing in programs, and creating clearer, more flexible career pathways into and through trades.
MSQ exists to ensure that welders, machinists, and bakers, alongside the next generation of digital tradespeople, have the tools, training, and opportunities they need to shape a strong future for Queensland,” Kris says.