The Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance has launched Make It ManuFACTuring, a 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Created with direct input from industry leaders, the campaign aims to challenge outdated stereotypes about the sector and replace them with authentic stories, showcasing real people thriving in a wide range of manufacturing roles.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.
Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance CEO, Sharon Robertson, said the campaign was a result of industry engagement and consultation that aims to help address skills shortages across the sector.
“Our 2024 Workforce Plan identified that many people weren’t even considering a career in manufacturing due to outdated misconceptions that the work was repetitive, dirty or poorly paid.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,” Robertson said.
Australia has a strong manufacturing sector with a proud legacy, she said. “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 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.
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.
