Queensland manufacturers: your voice matters in national skills planning

Manufacturing Skills Queensland is calling on industry to participate in a critical national survey that will shape workforce development and training priorities for years to come.

Jobs and Skills Australia are currently collecting input from manufacturers across the country to inform the 2026 Occupation Shortage List (OSL). The OSL is a key tool that informs policy makers and education and training developers about the skills needs of the Australian economy and may be used to inform a range of labour market advice Jobs and Skills Australia provides.

MSQ’s Acting Chief Executive Kris McCue said manufacturers needed to seize this opportunity to influence national policy.

“Skill shortages continue to place significant pressure on Queensland manufacturers, particularly across technical and trade roles,” Kris said.

“It’s important that manufacturers share their on-the-ground experience—your insights will help build a clear and accurate picture of where the real challenges lie.”

The OSL is updated annually and provides a point-in-time assessment of occupations experiencing shortages across Australia. It’s used by policymakers to understand current and emerging skills needs and to inform responses to workforce challenges.

MSQ’s Industry Skills and Jobs Advisor Lisa Gilbert said manufacturers’ participation would directly influence the support available to the sector.

“This survey highlights what the occupational shortages are and provides an opportunity to reflect real challenges across regional Queensland. The more manufacturers that complete it, the better and more accurate the result for industry.”

Why your participation matters

Identify critical skills gaps: Your insights help pinpoint the most urgent workforce needs across the manufacturing sector

• Shape national policy: Your input directly influences decisions on training programs, apprenticeship incentives, and workforce development initiatives
• Represent Queensland: Broader participation ensures Queensland’s manufacturing needs are fully represented at the national level

How to participate

Complete the survey by 18 March 2026.

TAKE THE SURVEY

The survey takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and asks about your recruitment experiences, skills shortages, and workforce challenges.

Please share this survey within your networks to support broad industry participation and ensure Queensland’s manufacturing voice is heard loud and clear.

Your contribution will help ensure the 2026 Occupation Shortage List reflects the real workforce challenges impacting manufacturers across Queensland and Australia.