Manufacturing Skills Australia’s Nationally Recognised Training in Manufacturing report – for which the Australian Industry Group Centre for Education and Training participated in consultations – examines how Australia’s manufacturing training system is performing across states and territories, highlighting systemic challenges, workforce capability needs, and strategic opportunities for reform. The findings show that while vocational education and training remains critical to developing a future-ready manufacturing workforce, the system faces structural barriers that limit responsiveness to industry needs.
Nationally, industry leaders report persistent shortages of skilled trainers, thin markets for specialised delivery, and commercial pressures that constrain registered training organisations from offering low volume but high value manufacturing qualifications. Trainer availability emerges as a high impact barrier, with the sector struggling to attract and retain trainers experienced in modern manufacturing technologies.
Compliance requirements are a major contributor to reduced agility, slowing course updates and inhibiting innovation in training delivery. States also report significant inconsistencies in training access, funding structures, and pathways, creating fragmented experiences across Australia. Barriers such as non-equivalent updates to training packages, lengthy quality assurance processes, and high costs for training resources further strain the system.
The report highlights challenges in attracting young people to manufacturing careers, despite strong demand for skills in areas such as automation, robotics, competitive systems and practices, and advanced trades. Fee‑Free TAFE initiatives and emerging Centres of Excellence show promise but are not yet delivering consistent national impact.
The report calls for:
