New industry trainer program announced for emerging leaders in manufacturing

This collaboration will address critical skills gaps in the manufacturing sector by empowering experienced trade and professionally qualified staff and leaders to effectively transfer skills and knowledge.

The Industry Trainer Program is a fully funded, accredited skill set designed to deliver essential skills in workplace-based learning. The program will assist manufacturers to retain critical skills and knowledge in their workplaces, enable effective succession planning and showcase career pathways in training and assessment.

MSQ Chief Executive Rebecca Andrews, said the program will be particularly beneficial for emerging leaders, supervisors, and recently promoted employees in manufacturing.

"This initiative addresses the industry-wide challenge of retaining skills and knowledge in manufacturing businesses. By developing workplace trainers, we're facilitating knowledge transfer and preserving critical in-house skills, which are fundamental to a manufacturer's capabilities.

“This program is a strategic investment in our workforce, ensuring that valuable expertise is not lost. It aligns perfectly with our mission to future-proof Queensland's manufacturing industry by cultivating a skilled and adaptable workforce.

The program is part of MSQ's $1.36 million Annual Training Plan investment in the "Training and skills" priority area. The skill set, delivered by TAFE Queensland comprises critical units to support knowledge transfer. 

TAFE Queensland General Manager of the South West Region, Kate Venables, said the partnership was an example of how the organisation is partnering with industry to train the state’s workforce in the skills required now and into the future.

“We are constantly shaping our training products and our delivery modes to ensure our training meets current and future employment demands. Through partnerships like the one with Manufacturing Skills Queensland, TAFE Queensland can continue to assist employers to innovate and grow their businesses,” said Ms Venables.

Available to all eligible manufacturing industry employees, the Industry Trainer Program aims to enhance teaching and supervisory skills, ensuring employees are well-equipped to efficiently and effectively train others in the workplace.

Participants will undertake a self-directed, six-week online course with two optional one-hour virtual sessions each week with topics on how to present, communications skills and facilitating learning a variety of work contexts. 

The Queensland Manufacturing industry generated $26.8 billion of value add in 2023-2024 accounting for 5.20% of Gross State Product. MSQ encourages the manufacturing workforce in Queensland to take advantage of this exciting professional development opportunity.

Enrolments are open with classes commencing every week from mid-February 2025.