Manufacturing Skills Queensland, an independent body driving the growth of the state’s manufacturing industry, has tapped Rebecca Andrews as its chief executive officer, effective 1 July 2023.
With the appointment, Andrews will take the organisation’s lead in developing the skills and capacity needed to support Queensland’s manufacturing industry in the future.
In particular, she will take part in identifying the training and skills required by manufacturers and employees, with special consideration for Energy and Jobs.
Prior to joining MSQ, Andrews held key leadership positions such as Queensland State Head of the Australian Industry Group; Deputy Director-General, Small Business at the Department of Employment, Small Business, and Training; and various boards and advisory groups, including the Ministerial Manufacturing Council.
Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the government believes the future expansion of Queensland’s advanced manufacturing industry and the state’s economy, in general, depends on a highly skilled labour force.
“That’s why we allocated $16.5M to the establishment of Manufacturing Skills Queensland as a centre of excellence for the delivery of skills and training,” noted the minister.
He emphasised that the manufacturing sector contributes $20 billion annually to the Queensland economy, and strong leadership and cooperation are essential to ensuring the industry’s future.
“We will continue to work closely with MSQ to help the industry thrive by providing evidence-based advice and local insights on the broad range of manufacturing needs across Queensland,” Di Farmer added.
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher described manufacturing as the “backbone” of the state’s economy.
“MSQ’s focus and vision will help the industry continue to create good, secure jobs and better services and cement Queensland’s reputation as a world-leading manufacturing powerhouse,” Minister Butcher said.
Meanwhile, MSQ CEO Rebecca Andrews also expressed her delight in her recent appointment.
“Sharing my experience and vision for leading MSQ’s strategic plans and programs, I will ensure we continue to attract, upskill, reskill to grow a sustainable, inclusive and diverse workforce and business community that thrives today, and in the future,” she remarked.
Established and funded in November 2022 under the Queensland Government’s Making it in Queensland: Building a Stronger Manufacturing Sector policy, MSQ said it is committed to building a sustainable skilled workforce for a future-proofed manufacturing industry.
