SEMMA CEO Honi Walker said, “This investment in training the workforce of the future is crucial at a time when technology is changing manufacturing at a pace greater than the industrial revolution. Skills training must reflect what manufacturing requires. If the government can get this right, then this will position manufacturing in Victoria and Australia as the next jobs frontier with the development of AI, robotics and advanced manufacturing needed in a range of highly prized sectors like defence, transportation, MedTech, food and the new energy sector.”
SEMMA says increased training facilities that provide integrated work to earn options, targeted programs and projects that meet the needs of these growth sectors are essential if Australia is going to develop our increasingly important Sovereign Capability.
Ms Walker continued, “Recent times have shown us how valued our manufacturing sector is and what we need to do to protect, nurture and grow our manufacturers. Whether small or large – they all have a place in our supply chain.”
Meeting the Local Jobs First and Local Content parameters are also essential for manufacturers to grow and both State and Federal Government’s need to ensure they are meeting their own criteria.
“SEMMA is here to provide the government with any assistance and advice to help deliver this Roadmap for the Australian labour market through manufacturing,” concluded Ms Walker.
