Manufacturing Industry
The Mackay-Whitsunday-Isaac region has an extensive manufacturing and mining services industry, providing world class services, predominately to the coal mining industry. The manufacturing industry is the fifth largest employer of residents in the region, accounting for 8% of the labour force. Manufacturing in the region is predominately heavy fabrication and mining related maintenance. The manufacturing industry transforms raw materials into new products. Manufacturing careers have changed significantly over time. Technological advances have meant the industry is hi-tech and requires workers to have an advanced level of skills and knowledge. For this reason, trades people and experienced workers are always in strong demand. Over 220 companies in the region provide engineering services including machinery repair and maintenance, and fabricated metal product manufacturing for the mining and agribusiness sectors. The region's companies offer expertise in a broad range of technology solutions, and support the industry through all stages of the mining process from exploration to mine site rehabilitation. Twenty training firms deliver high growth services like mining safety and risk management. Several international firms have chosen to locate their Queensland or Australian head office here. Locally based engineering companies export services and equipment to countries including China, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea and Ghana. Recent research has shown that around 170,000 people nationally will retire from the industry in the next five years, and on current participation rates, only 40,000 will be available to replace them. This combined with the fact that more jobs are being created by technological advances and the Queensland government's commitment to the further development of the manufacturing industry provides promising prospects for those choosing a career in modern manufacturing. Whatever your interests and skills, Manufacturing has a career for you. Manufacturing is incredibly diverse and so are its jobs, qualifications and career pathways. You can achieve some qualifications solely through on the job training, or you can obtain an Australian Apprenticeship (Apprenticeship or Traineeship) or Technology Cadetship, both of which combine a job with formal training. Alternatively you can study at a Technical College or University and then get a job.
