Manufacturing Skills Queensland

To strengthen and grow Queensland's manufacturing sector and create secure local jobs, the Queensland Government is investing in skilling Queenslanders.

The Queensland Government has committed $16.5 million to establish Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) – an independent, not-for-profit industry body that will support employers, workers, apprentices and trainees in the manufacturing industry.

MSQ will identify key skills required in the manufacturing sector and work with industry, workers, unions and businesses to deliver training programs to Queenslanders to prepare them for work in the sector.

The Queensland Government has appointed Paul Cooper as Director and Chair along with 6 experienced employer, employee and government representatives as board directors.

Directors of the Board – Manufacturing Skills Queensland

Director and Chairperson

• Mr Paul Cooper (Chair) – Owner and Executive Chair of Rinstrum and Chairman, Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre Ltd.

Directors

• Ms Natalene Carter – Director of RID Australia and the Senior Executive Operations Manager of Dy-Mark (Employer Representative)
• Ms Sheree Taylor – Queensland Specification Manager, BlueScope Steel (Employer Representative)
• Ms Ann-Marie Allan – Executive Officer for the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union (Employee Representative)
• Ms Stacey Schinnerl – Director, SkillsEQuipped and Queensland Branch Secretary, Australian Workers' Union (Employee Representative)
• Mr Steve Koch – Deputy Director-General, Department of Employment, Small Business and Training
• Ms Bernadette Zerba – Deputy Director-General, Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water

This new body will engage with government to assist in current and future workforce planning and the development of an Annual Training Plan for the manufacturing sector.

MSQ will ensure Queenslanders have the right skills to work in the manufacturing sector, will assist businesses to enhance Queensland’s manufacturing capability and ensure that local manufacturers are engaged with government procurement processes.

Learn more about Manufacturing Skills Queensland.

Last updated 20 February 2024