A ready workforce

Worker inspects a bottle of orange juice from a food manufacturing production line

Featuring a large, skilled workforce, leading education providers and growing opportunities for training and job creation, Victoria is capitalising on the advanced manufacturing boom.

Advanced manufacturing in Victoria allows workers to develop and use their skills and gives industry access to workers and graduates who are at the top of their game – all in one of the world’s most liveable places.

Our manufacturing sector employs more than 260,000 people, making it one of the state’s largest employers. More than 80 per cent of these jobs are full-time. The manufacturing industry’s well-paid, permanent jobs allow Victorians to grow their careers while enjoying all that the state has to offer.

Creating opportunities

To further promote economic growth and a resilient manufacturing industry, the 2023-24 Victorian State Budget has committed $56.5 million to delivering support for the manufacturing industry.

The Government is focused on giving our existing workforce and graduates opportunities to be at the forefront of innovation in advanced manufacturing, particularly through R&D, design, digital skills and automation, advanced fabrication and engineering.

As well as delivering investments in advanced manufacturing and prioritising emerging industries, the Victorian Government is driving job creation, skills development and advanced manufacturing through local content requirements in major policies, projects and initiatives, including Local Jobs First.

World-leading education and training

Studying in Victoria means attending world-leading institutions and taking advantage of the education sector’s connections and collaboration with business and industry.

Victoria is Australia's most educated state, producing highly skilled professionals, including 30 per cent of Australia’s STEM graduates.

Our commitment to Vocational Education and Training (VET), upskilling and training programs also provides multiple pathways to equip workers for careers across existing and emerging advanced manufacturing roles.

The 2022-23 Victorian Budget gives a boost to manufacturing training programs. The Budget allocates $4.5 million to fund 300 Digital Jobs for Manufacturing and $2.6 million for additional internships under the Defence Industry Workforce Development program.

The Victorian Government’s Digital Jobs program is also building the state’s digital workforce by training and upskilling mid-career Victorians so they can transition into digital careers

Driving discovery

The partnerships, connections and collaboration between Victoria’s universities and training centres are key drivers behind our reputation for world-leading R&D, design and engineering.

We’re a great location for knowledge-based activities, driving innovation that creates opportunities across advanced manufacturing and builds a highly skilled workforce.

The Victorian Government’s support of hubs and precincts helps foster relationships with universities and training centres, including at the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct, Parkville Biomedical Precinct and the Cremorne Digital Hub.

Page last updated: 16 November 2023