Future-focused Research: Building Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Workforce
Dear Stakeholders,
I am pleased to present to you the “Future Focus: Recruiting Vocational Trainers for Tomorrow’s Manufacturing Workforce” report, a comprehensive study commissioned by Manufacturing Skills Australia (MSA) and diligently prepared by K. L. O’Reilly-Briggs. This report is born out of our commitment to address the critical challenge of the vocational education and training (VET) teacher shortage, a concern that is pivotal to the sustainability of the manufacturing sector and the broader Australian industry.
The study, conducted between July and December 2023, explores the complexities and nuances of attracting skilled manufacturing workers to the VET teaching profession. It delves into the current state of the VET sector, underlining the urgent need for a robust pipeline of vocational trainers to ensure the continued excellence and relevance of our manufacturing workforce.
Our research has identified key barriers and enablers influencing the transition of industry professionals into vocational education roles. The findings reveal significant insights, shedding light on the aspirations and hesitations of potential vocational trainers. Armed with this knowledge, we are now better positioned to contribute to the development of targetedstrategies that will not only assist in attracting but also retaining top-tier talent within the VET sector.
The recommendations outlined in this report provide a strategic roadmap for MSA, industry stakeholders, and policy-makers. They are designed to foster a conducive environment that encourages industry experts to embark on fulfilling careers in vocational training, thereby securing the future of our manufacturing industry.
I invite you to engage with this report, reflect on its findings, and join us in shaping a resilient and future-ready VET sector. Together, we can ensure that the next generation of manufacturing professionals is equipped with the skills, knowledge, and expertise to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to advancing Australia’s manufacturing and vocational education sectors.
Warm regards,
Richard Jenkins
Chair, Manufacturing Skills Australia
Nationally Recognised Training on Manufacturing: An Exploration of the Current Experience Across Australia
We’re pleased to share a major piece of work that MSA has commissioned to help shine a light on the challenges and realities facing manufacturing training across Australia.
“Nationally Recognised Training in Manufacturing: An Exploration of the Current Experience Across Australia” brings together insights from more than 50 structured interviews with employers, industry associations, unions, RTOs, TAFEs, and state training authorities. The report takes a clear-eyed look at how policy settings, funding decisions, trainer availability, and RTO practices are shaping the training options available to manufacturers in every state and territory.
What emerges is a consistent message: while manufacturing is critical to Australia’s sovereign capability and future growth, access to high-quality, nationally consistent training remains uneven. Funding priorities differ widely across jurisdictions, thin markets continue to restrict delivery, and a shortage of skilled trainers is placing real limits on what can be offered—particularly in regional areas. At the same time, employers report increasing difficulty navigating the system and securing the skills they need.
Despite these constraints, the report also highlights strong industry appetite for modernised pathways, increased access to advanced technologies, and more responsive upskilling options that keep pace with the evolution of manufacturing work.
MSA commissioned this research to ensure the voices of industry are firmly on the record and to support renewed discussion about how we can strengthen the VET system for manufacturing. We thank all contributors for their time, honesty and commitment to improving training outcomes for the sector.
I encourage all members and partners to read the report and consider how its findings relate to your own workforce needs. This work lays an important foundation as we continue advocating for a training system that genuinely supports the skills required to grow Australian manufacturing.
