Advanced manufacturing

The Advanced Manufacturing Gateway to Industry Schools project  encourages sustainable partnerships between industry, government and community to build Queensland's manufacturing and engineering workforce for the future. The project aims to increase awareness of manufacturing careers and prepare students for the evolving demands of the industry.

Manufacturing is the transformative process of converting raw materials into finished products or assembling components to create new items—this means the project covers a range of exciting and dynamic areas. The project offers a range of experiences to broaden science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM) knowledge and develop best practice models of pipelining talent to advanced manufacturing sub-industries, including:

• aerospace and defence
• chemicals, hydrocarbons and refining
• food and beverage
• furniture and other products
• meat and seafood processing
• general manufacturing and engineering
• pharmaceutical and medical technology
• polymers, plastic and rubber
• printing and graphic arts
• pulp, paper and packaging
• renewables
• textiles, clothing and footwear
• timber and wood
• transport, equipment and machinery.

This project develops best practice models connecting young people, teachers and their schools with various advanced manufacturing sub-industries.

Schools and students

This project offers students a unique opportunity to explore diverse career paths in advanced manufacturing through:

• exposure to various manufacturing sub-industries listed above
• hands-on experience and virtual reality opportunities
• access to industry-relevant learning and training
• opportunities for school-based traineeships or apprenticeships
• development of STEAM knowledge and skills.

Teachers

Teachers benefit from comprehensive support and resources to enhance their ability to guide students towards promising careers in advanced manufacturing through:

• professional development focused on traditional and contemporary manufacturing practices
• access to teaching resources aligned with advanced manufacturing sub-industries
• opportunities to stay current with industry trends and career information
• industry tours for first-hand knowledge of manufacturing processes
• networking opportunities with industry professionals.

Manufacturing employers

Industry partners play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce by actively engaging with students and teachers through various initiatives, such as:

• opportunities to influence and develop future talent in advanced manufacturing
• engaging with students through talks and presentations
• hosting school-to-industry tours showcasing real-world manufacturing environments
• providing mentoring programs for teachers
• connecting with schools to offer work experience placements
• collaborating on vocational education and training opportunities.

Get involved

For more information on how to get involved, visit Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) website.

Last updated 31 January 2025