You’ve developed a workforce plan. You’ve identified your priorities—maybe it’s building a structured onboarding program, developing performance management frameworks, or creating recruitment strategies that work. You now know what needs to happen.
The challenge is implementation. Finding the time, expertise, and resources to turn planning into action while managing daily operations can feel overwhelming.
Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s Skills and Workforce Development Subsidy is designed to bridge exactly this gap—helping small manufacturers access the specialist support they need to implement their workforce strategies.
What the subsidy offers
The $200,000 subsidy program provides up to 100 eligible Queensland manufacturers with access to specialist skills and workforce development support valued at $2,000 per business (excluding GST).
This isn’t general consulting. The subsidy connects you with pre-approved specialists who deliver targeted services aligned to your specific workforce plan. Services available through the program include:
The key requirement is that services must align with a workforce plan you’ve developed with MSQ’s Industry Workforce Advisor. This ensures you’re investing in strategic, planned workforce development rather than ad-hoc initiatives.
Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s Industry Workforce Advisor Karen Knapton said the subsidy helps manufacturers move from planning to implementation.
“We work with manufacturers to develop comprehensive workforce plans, and often they can see exactly what needs to happen next—but they need specialist expertise to implement it properly. This subsidy gives them access to that expertise without the financial barrier that might otherwise prevent them from taking action.”
Who can access the subsidy
The subsidy is available to small manufacturing businesses across Queensland who have completed a workforce plan with an MSQ Industry Workforce Advisor.
With small manufacturers representing almost 90% of all manufacturing businesses in Queensland, the program provides vital support to build workforce capability where it’s needed most.
Karen said the structured approach ensures manufacturers get maximum value from the workforce planning process.
“Because the subsidy is tied to a workforce plan, manufacturers aren’t guessing at what services they need—they’re implementing specific strategies we’ve identified together as priorities. That targeted approach means the investment delivers real impact rather than being spread too thin across general consulting,” said Karen.
Whether you’re implementing your first formal onboarding program, developing position descriptions that actually attract the right candidates, or building retention strategies to keep your best people, the subsidy provides access to expertise that can make the difference between good intentions and effective implementation.
Your Industry Workforce Advisor will continue to check-in and support you throughout this process, ensuring that your workforce plan remains relevant, actionable and on track.
Ready to turn your workforce planning into action? Connect with an Industry Workforce Advisor to develop your workforce plan and access the Skills and Workforce Development Subsidy.
Connect with our Industry Workforce Advisor today to get started
Eligibility and terms and conditions apply.
The Industry Workforce Advisor Program is supported and funded by the Queensland Government.