Industry insights on skills needs
The Process Manufacturing, Recreational Vehicles and Laboratory IRC’s Skills Forecast and Proposed Schedule of Work 2019-2023 ranked generic skills, with Technology and Design mindset/thinking critically/systems thinking/solving problems skills as the most important. It suggested that considering generic skills most needed to support changing working practices and skill demands across the industry and then identify what skills are a priority for different types of work roles.
According to the Skills Forecast and Proposed Schedule of Work 2019-2023, generic skills, such as problem solving, as well as the willingness and ability to absorb new learning and apply new skill in new roles to new technology were seen as very important for adapting to the rapid pace of change across the industry.
Workforce challenges and opportunities - MSM Manufacturing Training Package
The most significant challenge and opportunity across the sectors covered by the MSM Manufacturing Training Package qualifications and skill sets, as reported in the 2019 Skills Forecast, related to changing technology and increasing levels of automation. Other challenges and opportunities raised were sustainable manufacturing both in terms of business models and processes and the manufacture of sustainable products; changes in business models and practices arising from other factors, such as cheap imports; and regulation and standards. On the supply side, the impact of technological disruption, labour and skill shortages and the use of micro-credentials were raised.
As at December 2021, the Process Manufacturing project is underway, with IRC undertaking further consultation with industry. The rationale of the project is to update training products to reflect changes in jobs roles (lean manufacturing, sustainable practices, automation and advanced manufacturing processes) and to changes needed to respond to the Australian Government’s Modern Manufacturing Strategy, released in late 2020.
The Strategy aims to help manufacturers to scale-up, become more competitive and build more resilient supply chains. Investment is targeted to drive productivity and create jobs through six national manufacturing priority sectors, which reflect Australia’s competitive advantage.
In response to the Strategy, increasing changes in workforce skills requirements and ongoing disruption caused by COVID-19, the IBSA Group conducted an extensive series of research and consultation activities culminating in Scaling up: developing modern manufacturing through a skilled workforce. This report draws together insights from industry leaders on the challenges facing the manufacturing sector and proposes skills-focused responses to support the development of a highly skilled workforce to underpin the future of manufacturing in Australia. In relation to Process Manufacturing, report states how current industry qualifications support and relate to the modern manufacturing strategy priority sectors, particularly the Resources Technology and Critical Minerals Processing and the Food and Beverage priority sectors.
Workforce challenges and opportunities – PMA Chemical, Hydrocarbons and Refining Training Package
The IRC’s 2019 Skills Forecast and Proposed Schedule of Work 2019-2023 for the PMA Chemical, Hydrocarbons and Refining Training Package noted the result of increasing automation in larger CHR businesses and increasing competition from overseas competitors would likely result in decreasing employee numbers.
Further, the sector covered by this training package reported changing levels of demand from the resources sector, environmental regulations and community concerns about the safety of some CHR processes collectively have an impact on workforce demand for skills. The growing use of remote operations in the oil and gas sector was also a key issue in that sector.
As outlined above, the Australian Government released the Modern Manufacturing Strategy in late 2020. Sub-sectors of this industry are key to the Strategy, with gas supply positioned as a key foundational component to beneficial economic conditions to support other manufacturers. Gas supply is also critical input to chemicals and fertiliser production, according to the Strategy. As per above, the IBSA Group has identified how Chemical, Hydrocarbons and Refining sectors support the modern manufacturing strategy priority sectors.
As of the end of 2021, the IRC has completed the project restructuring the Certificate III in Process Plant Operations to integrate several specialisations. At this time, no other projects are underway for this training package.
Workforce challenges and opportunities – PMB Plastics, Rubber and Cablemaking Training Package
According to the IRC’s Skills Forecast and Proposed Schedule of Work 2019-2023 for the PMB Plastics, Rubber and Cablemaking (PRC) Training Package, the industry was increasingly focused on polymer product (plastic) manufacturing, with plastic manufacturers outnumbered rubber and cablemaking manufacturers.
Technological advances have been rapid in the PRC industry, according to the Skills Forecast. As such, industry identified VET qualifications and units needed changes to provide skills required by industry. Other specific trends facing the plastics sector of the industry were changing consumer sentiment to plastics, especially plastic packaging and ‘single-use’ plastics, with bans coming into effect overseas. On 1 March 2021, South Australia banned single-use plastics, namely plastic straws cutlery and stirrer and will extend the ban to the sale, supply and distribution of polystyrene cups, bowls, plates, clamshell containers and oxo-degradable plastic products on 1 March 2022.
As outlined above, the Australian Government released the Modern Manufacturing Strategy in late 2020. Sub-sectors of this industry are key to the six national manufacturing priority sectors. As per above, the IBSA Group has identified how Plastics, Rubber and Cablemaking sectors support the modern manufacturing strategy priority sectors.
As of December 2021, the IRC has completed the project to review skills for the Polymer Industry Project. At this time, no other projects are underway for this training package.
