How we work with industry to advance manufacturing
The Queensland Reference Group (QRG) for Manufacturing and Engineering is industry-led, creating a forum for discussion and advice surrounding skills. The group consists of representatives from 16 industries and is chaired by QMI Solutions.
The QRG informs and provides a structured mechanism for industry, employers, education and training system stakeholders and government to engage on workforce development and skilling issues within the Queensland manufacturing and engineering industries. This group guides both QMI’s Gateway to Industry Schools Program (GISP) for Advanced Manufacturing and the Vocational Education and Training Industry Engagement Officer (VETIEO).
The Department of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning (DSDMIP) leads the delivery of economic development outcomes for Queensland. It is committed to diversifying the Queensland economy to strengthen its international competitiveness, grow the economy and generate the high-value, high-skilled jobs of the future. Part of the Queensland Government’s Advance Queensland agenda is the Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap which is designed to set a path for the growth of advanced manufacturing, through increased productivity and international competitiveness, targeting the adoption and adaptation of innovative technologies and processes, and through promotion and marketing.
Our members create an industry led-eco-system
The QRG has representatives from many sectors of the manufacturing industries, each bringing unique skills and experience. Individual members are leaders from the following businesses and organisations representing their industries insights:
Manufacturing Industry: QMI Solutions (Chair), Strategic Engineering Australia (QMI Director), Ai Group
Vehicle Manufacturing Industry: Heavy Vehicle Industry Association (HVIA)
Industrial Design: DesignWorks
Technology Industry: Australian Computer Society (ACS)
Biomedical & Biotechnology Manufacturing: Life Sciences Queensland (LSQ)
Defence Manufacturing: Australian Industry & Defence Network (AIDN)Qld
Aerospace: Ferra Engineering
Mining Equipment, Technology & Service (METS)Manufacturing: METS Ignited
Rail Manufacturing: Higher Visability,
Textile, Clothing & Footwear Manufacturing: Australian Fashion Council (AFC) Full Circle Fibres
Engineering in Manufacturing: Engineers Australia
Food Manufacturing Industry: Food Industries Assoc of Queensland (FIAQ)
Marine Manufacturing industry: Boating Industry Association (BIA)
Advanced Manufacturing/Industry 4.0: Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre (AMGC)
Government: Dept of Employment, Small Business & Training (DESBT), Dept of State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure & Planning (DSDMIP) and Dept of Education (DoE)
Statutory Body (upon invitation): Queensland Curriculum Assessment Authority (QCAA)
Service Skills Organisations (rotational seat): IBSA, PWC, Skills Impact
Universities (rotational seat): UQ, QUT, Griffith, USQ
School sectors: Catholic Education, Independent Schools Queensland, Education Queensland and TAFE
Union: AMWU
Industry Skills Manufacturing: QMI Solutions
Gateway to Industry School Program — Advanced Manufacturing: QMI Solutions
Training in Emerging and Innovative Industries: QMI Solutions
QRG’s roles and responsibilities:
- Provide industry and government specialist knowledge and expertise know-how, as well as group expertise to support proactive planning and board solutions that contribute to workforce development and sustainability.
- Guide and support the work of the government, VETIEO and GISP Manager in facilitating the Workforce Development Plan through the government identified body to complete this works i.e. Jobs Queensland
- Meet periodically to consider and endorse project activity, contribute industry knowledge and group expertise, and review outcomes on a needs basis.
- Identify and consider market trends and other impacts on the manufacturing industries and develop solutions which address the broader employment and skills issues toward Advanced manufacturing.
- Develop a whole of industry position for skills development and workforce planning, while recognising sectoral differences, in order to present a strong and unified Queensland industry.
- Provide advice and guidance to support the long term sustainability of Manufacturing and Engineering in Queensland.
QRG members meet to provide information and advice to the committee on current industry challenges, policy issues or other areas of concern that are relevant to manufacturing, engineering and education within their region, and industry sector.
Members provide strategic advice to the group that articulates strategies that GISP may implement to:
- Communicate, encourage and guide industry to apply the Advanced Manufacturing Roadmap and Industry 4.0
- Work collaboratively with industry on identified workforce related critical areas of concern.
Members work collaboratively and strategically with other industries and bodies including the Ministerial Manufacturing Committee, industry Skills Bodies, industry networks and DESBT, DoE & DSDMIP offices to deliver on strategies.
The QRG review and provide feedback on documents, reports, guides and other materials. These may include and are not limited to:
- A qualification mapping within the relevant training package(s) including articulation pathways
- Careers Guide and other products developed i.e. teacher resources/kits, work placement guides etc
- Industry Surveys and partnership Agreements
They provide information and advice of potential and/or identified risk areas related to:
- Quality of training delivery
- Capacity of training providers
- Facilities and infrastructure to meet industry standards
- Experience and currency of staff
- Student capacity — low risk or high risk to industry
- State and Federal skills investment, supply vs demand
- Red flags that have been identified and relate to skills development.
For further information on the QRG please contact QMI Solutions on reception@qmisolutions.com.au or (07) 33 640 700.
