Australia’s 2024 Manufacturing Workforce Plan, developed by the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, outlines a strategic response to workforce shortages in the manufacturing sector, which is projected to require an additional 120,000 workers by 2033. This planned workforce expansion—equating to a 16.8% increase—is critical as the manufacturing industry contributes over $124 billion annually to the Australian economy and employs nearly 875,000 people.
Key Focus Areas of the 2024 Manufacturing Workforce Plan
Apprenticeship Pipeline Development
To address skill shortages, the plan prioritises increasing the number of apprentices entering the industry. Public campaigns aimed at schools and local communities seek to dispel outdated perceptions of manufacturing, presenting it as a future-forward, technologically advanced career choice. These initiatives aim to attract young talent to fields such as advanced manufacturing and engineering.
Managing an Ageing Workforce
As many experienced tradespeople approach retirement, the plan calls for a concerted focus on succession planning. Employers are encouraged to implement flexible working arrangements and knowledge-transfer programs, ensuring that valuable expertise is passed on to newer employees. Mentorships and phased retirements are being promoted to retain older workers while bridging the skills gap.
Improving Workforce Diversity
The manufacturing industry has traditionally lacked diversity, with a notable underrepresentation of women, First Nations Australians, and culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) workers. The 2024 plan sets diversity targets and encourages the adoption of inclusive hiring practices, while also expanding pathways for underrepresented groups to enter high-skill jobs. This aligns with broader workforce participation goals to fill shortages in emerging industries.
Emerging Industries and New Technologies
The workforce plan is focused on equipping workers with the skills required for emerging sectors like clean energy, defence manufacturing, space technology, and medical tech. Training providers are updating curricula to meet the evolving demands of these industries, while advanced manufacturing technologies, such as automation and AI, are also driving the need for up-skilling and re-skilling.
Strategic Importance
The 2024 Manufacturing Workforce Plan positions Australia’s manufacturing industry to stay competitive in the global economy by tackling workforce shortages head-on. By diversifying talent pools and upskilling workers for advanced manufacturing jobs, the plan ensures the industry is prepared for future growth and innovation.
This multi-faceted strategy provides a clear roadmap for overcoming the challenges of an ageing workforce, skill gaps, and a lack of diversity—while leveraging opportunities in fast-growing sectors like renewable energy and defence. By aligning workforce capabilities with these future trends, the plan helps ensure the sustainable growth of Australia’s manufacturing sector well into the next decade
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