Australia’s Manufacturing industry is a very diverse workforce and covers the manufacture of food and beverages, petroleum and coal, polymer products, machinery, furniture and more.
Top Employing Occupations
| Occupation |
|---|
| Structural Steel and Welding Trades Workers |
| Production Managers |
| Metal Fitters and Machinists |
| Packers |
| Food and Drink Factory Workers |
| Advertising, Public Relations and Sales Managers |
| Product Assemblers |
| Storepersons |
| Cabinetmakers |
| Bakers and Pastrycooks |
| Sales Assistants (General) |
| Forklift Drivers |
| Manufacturers |
| Meat, Poultry and Seafood Process Workers |
| Purchasing and Supply Logistics Clerks |
| Accounting Clerks |
| Office Managers |
| Engineering Production Workers |
| Sales Representatives |
| Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers |
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While it is common for workers to hold a certificate III or higher VET qualification, employers in this industry also value trade experience and practical knowledge. This is shown by the sizeable proportion of workers who do not have post-school qualifications (around 40% of the workforce). While around 100,000 young people are employed in Manufacturing, they represent a relatively small part of this industry (11% are aged 15 to 24 years old).
Employment in this industry is typically full-time (85%).
Sources: ABS, Labour Force (seasonally adjusted and annual averages of original data); ABS, Characteristics of Employment; ABS, Education and Work.