Advanced Manufacturing
Sector workforce & training profile
(updated October 2019)
Advanced manufacturing is a priority industry for the Government and is a component of the overarching manufacturing sector, which covers a range of industry specialisations.
Advanced manufacturing generally refers to globally-oriented, innovative production and process – much of which is based on the use of emerging technologies and capabilities.
Some traditional manufacturing industries have suffered recent declines, however growth in high-value advanced manufacturing has contributed to the greater importance of the sector as a whole to the Tasmanian economy.
With significant State and Federal investment in maritime and defence strategies in particular, the sector is well-placed to establish competitive advantage in relation to its niche, high quality production and processes.
Sector Overview
The advanced manufacturing sector in Tasmania represents a highly diverse sub-set of organisations that compete in local and global supply chains. It includes a wide range of capabilities such as research, design and development, distribution, logistics, operations, maintenance and other related services.
Note: All the following information is for Tasmania unless otherwise specified. All information will be updated with further Tasmania specific data as primary research results become available.
Sector Statistics for Manufacturing
Contribution to the economy (2017/18)[1] | 7.2% | |||
Number of jobs (2017/18)[2] | 17,977 | |||
Median weekly earnings (in main job) [3] (Australia) | $1,150 |
Make up of sector by number of employees[4] | Non-employing | 1-19 | 20-199 | 200+ |
48.4% | 44.3% | 7% | 0.3% |
[1] National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR) (opens a new window) ©2018. Compiled and presented in economy.id by .id (opens a new window), the population experts. https://economy.id.com.au/tasmania/value-add-by-industry?Indkey=23010&IndkeyNieir=23900
[2] National Institute of Economic and Industry Research (NIEIR) (opens a new window) ©2018. Compiled and presented in economy.id by .id (opens a new window), the population experts. https://economy.id.com.au/tasmania/employment-by-industry?IndkeyNieir=23200&Indkey=23010
[3] Australian Bureau of Statistics: 6333.0 - Characteristics of Employment, Australia, Table 3.1, August 2018
[4] Australian Bureau of Statistics: 8165.0 - Counts of Australian Businesses, including Entries and Exits, June 2014 to June 2018
Job Roles in Manufacturing
5-10 most common job roles (2016)[5]:
Key information | ||
Food process workers | 1,653 | |
Fabrication Engineering Trades Workers | 956 | |
Construction, Distribution and Production Managers | 850 | |
Sales Assistants and Salespersons | 678 | |
Stationary Plant Operators | 675 |
Growth job roles 2011-2016[6]:
Packers and Product Assemblers | +71 |
Food Trades Workers | +63 |
Food Preparation Assistants | +45 |
Hospitality Workers | +42 |
Miscellaneous Specialist Managers | +22 |
[5] Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2016.
[6] Australian Bureau of Statistics, Census of Population and Housing 2011 and 2016.
Education and Training
Most common VET qualifications completed (2018)[7]:
Certificate IV | Competitive Systems and Practices | 125 |
Certificate II | Electrotechnology (Career Start) | 100 |
Certificate III | Electrotechnology Electrician | 95 |
Certificate II | Engineering Pathways | 75 |
Certificate III | Competitive Systems and Practices | 75 |
Certificate III | Engineering - Fabrication Trade | 55 |
Certificate III | Engineering - Mechanical Trade | 20 |
[7] NCVER 2018 https://www.ncver.edu.au/research-and-statistics/data/all-data/total-vet-students-and-courses-2018-data-slicer
About the Industry
Employers of Choice (as at 2019):
2009 Jacobs Engineering
2012 Caterpillar Underground Mining
2012 Tassal
2012 William Adams
2014 Nyrstar
2014 Self Help Workshop
2015 Huon Aquaculture
2016 Skretting Australia
2017 Blundstone Australia
2017 BridgePro Engineering
2019 Kolmark Pty Ltd
Peak Industry Associations:
Tasmanian Minerals, Manufacturing and Energy Council
Useful Links
Labour Market Information Portal
Tasmanian apprenticeships and traineeships
Endorsed Registered Training Organisations
Workforce Development Plans and Reports