Modern Manufacturing – a Job for Young Tasmanians?

Young Tasmanians are being urged to consider a career in manufacturing as part of a new campaign to address skills shortages in the sector.

The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance has today launched “Make It ManuFACTuring,” a national campaign that includes a pilot program in Tasmania.

The campaign, which will run for three months across Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland, aims to challenge outdated perceptions of manufacturing as “dirty, poorly paid or repetitive” work.

Media release – Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, 8 September 2025

Young Australians encouraged to discover new face of manufacturing

The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance has today launched Make It ManuFACTuring, a new campaign designed to show young Australians that manufacturing is a modern, innovative and future-focused career choice.

Created with direct input from industry leaders, the campaign aims to challenge outdated stereotypes about the sector and replace them with authentic stories, showcasing real people thriving in a wide range of manufacturing roles.

Rolling out across television, radio, outdoor advertising, social media, and a new dedicated website, Make It ManuFACTuring speaks directly to students, parents, and career advisors. It focuses on the message that manufacturing today is high-tech, creative, secure, and full of opportunity.

“This campaign is a result of industry engagement and consultation and aims to help address skills shortages that exist across the sector,” explains Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance CEO, Sharon Robertson.

“Our 2024 Workforce Plan identified that many people weren’t even considering a career in manufacturing due to outdated misconceptions that the work was repetitive, dirty or poorly paid. We want people to broaden their search and see the modern face of manufacturing that exists today.

“The manufacturing sector faces skills shortages in 7 out of 10 priority roles. The workforce is aging; 22 per cent of manufacturing workers are aged over 55, and demand for digital and technical skills is rising rapidly. We need urgent investment in people, skills and pathways.

“The Make it ManuFACTuring campaign brings our wonderful industry to life, showing Australians what today’s industry looks like and why it matters,” said Robertson.

Australia has a strong manufacturing sector with a proud legacy.

In 2025, manufacturing will contribute more than $100 billion to the Australian economy and employ nearly a million workers across various industries nationwide. But with an ageing workforce and skills shortages in priority areas, there is a need to attract the next generation.

Across the campaign, Make it ManuFACTuring highlights that there are many more opportunities in manufacturing than people realise. The underlying message is – just give it a go – even some work experience can open your eyes to possibilities available.

Robertson explained “Manufacturing is no longer what many people think. It’s sustainable, it’s digital, it’s creative. And it offers real careers with purpose, good pay and global impact.

“Make it ManuFACTuring is designed to help Australians, especially young people, see themselves in this industry. Whether you’re into AI, medical technology or renewable energy, this is where you can build a career that matters.”

Make It ManuFACTuring will run as a pilot across Victoria, Tasmania and Queensland for an initial period of three months, and be closely monitored through surveys and digital analytics to measure impact and inform future national expansion.

Tasmanian Times (TT) is a community-based news and current affairs service covering the island state of Tasmania. It exists to provide a diverse presentation of Tasmanian issues. TT creates and supports independent media content utilising the best of modern technologies and tried-and-true practices of public-interest journalism.

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