Skills Formation Strategies Machinery, Equipment and Associated Metal Products
In June 2008 Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) took on the project co-ordination responsibilities for the Machinery, Equipment and Associated Metal Products Manufacturing Skills Formation Strategies (SFS) for Brisbane Southside Region. The Brisbane Southside region includes the areas of City of Logan, City of Redlands and Brisbane City south of the Brisbane River. This SFS also aligns with DEEDI’s SEQ Regional Planning initiative which in the case of Brisbane Southside Region includes a focus on advanced manufacturing as one of their key economic development activities. The SFS is specifically focused on the manufacturing sectors of machinery and equipment manufacturing and metal products manufacturing.
An expanding manufacturing capability in the region has driven specialisation in the machinery and equipment and metal product sectors. The Brisbane Southside region has the potential to further develop as a global hub for machinery and equipment and metal product manufacturing.
The appointed project manager visited individual work sites to conduct research and collect data to identify common issues that are impacting on the development of the workforce. An Industry Leaders Group (ILC) was established from key stakeholders representing a cross section of the industry from the Brisbane Southside region.
The ILG determined five key themes in the move to meet the objectives of the SFS:
- To meet monthly to foster strategies for workforce development.
- The development of a communication strategy was required.
- Initiatives should centre on a whole of business approach.
- To utilise existing and forthcoming programs in the development of the workforce.
- The image and attraction to the sector is a major issue.
With the five key themes in mind a Blog was established to broaden the communication path. Funding for training under User Choice and the Productivity Places Program Programs (PPP) was made available. Program such as Welfare to Work, Vet in Schools, Gateway Schools and School based Apprenticeship and Traineeships (SAT) were promoted in the area. Workplaces with apprentices were encouraged to consider the possibility of establishing rotational placement within their respective supply chains to improve their range of skills.
To promote the manufacturing industry and assist the community with access to potential employment opportunities an information stall was established at the Yeronga Multicultural Learning and Skilling Expo.
Under the leadership of the ILC and with the support of the project manager the SFS has established processes to form partnerships between key stakeholders. Strategies are now in place to analyse labour and skills issues, create action plans, establish open communication paths between workers and employers and promote the manufacturing sector in the Brisbane Southside region.
It is intended that the partnerships established and the communication paths opened will continues after the completion of the SFS and are transitioned to industry.
MSQ Project Manager
Tony Whittaker
Ph: 07 33640703
E-mail: twhittaker@msq.org.au