Victoria’s manufacturing industry is worth $31 billion and provides more than 27 per cent of Australia’s manufacturing output, boasting around 23,000 firms and 260,000 employees.

To help keep the industry’s workforce future-ready, Digital Jobs for Manufacturing offers eligible manufacturing businesses grants of up to $5,000 per employee to enrol in a free 12-week course with Victoria’s top universities, TAFEs and training providers.

Up to five employees per company can combine specialist courses with on-the-job experience in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cybersecurity, computer aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM), IT operations and more. Training is delivered part-time, giving employees the opportunity to learn while they’re working.

Digital Jobs for Manufacturing builds on the success of the $64 million Digital Jobs program, which helps retrain mid-career Victorians and support them to transition into digital-focused jobs. Since launching in October last year, nearly $775,000 in funding has been allocated to 109 Victorian manufacturers, supporting 226 of their employees to enrol in a nominated training course.

Minister for Industry and Innovation Ben Carroll said: “There is a growing need for digital skills among Victorian companies and the Digital Jobs for Manufacturing program is enabling businesses have access to targeted training for their staff.”

Case Study

Digital Jobs for Manufacturing helped SEM Fire and Rescue, one of the country’s largest manufacturers of emergency service vehicles, upskill staff and strengthen its digital capabilities by enrolling mechanical engineer Mukesh Arella into an additive manufacturing course at the University of Melbourne.

Through the course, Mukesh enhanced his skills in new manufacturing technologies including 3D printing, helping to improve the design of vehicle components.

SEM Fire and Rescue General Manager Mark Thomas said: “At SEM Fire and Rescue, we believe by investing in local talent we can strengthen our manufacturing capabilities and customer solutions, which is why we’re proud to have participated in the program.”

Skills and Jobs

The Victorian Chamber advocates for policies and programs that target business recovery, resilience, innovation, employment, and skills.

More rounds of Digital Jobs for Manufacturing start in September 2023, January 2024 and April 2024. Details and applications can be found on the program page.

The Victorian Chamber also helps deliver or refer participants to programs including:

• SummerTech LIVE – Helps businesses solve digital problems and ICT students and graduates kickstart their careers through a 10-12-week studentship.
• Digital Jobs – Connects businesses with talented, midcareer workers with digital skills and a proven track record in the workplace.
• Youth Activating Youth – Provides career opportunities to culturally and linguistically diverse youth through paid internships.