Manufacturing

This image shows 31% of jobs are regional. 11% of workers are aged 15 to 24 years. 11% of workers are self-employed.

19% of workers hold a bachelor degree or higher. 35% of workers hold a certificate 3 or higher qualification. 5% of workers hold an other qualification. 41% of workers do not hold a post-school qualification.

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.