Victoria’s manufacturing sector is seeing a significant increase in job opportunities, driven by a state government initiative designed to tackle workforce shortages and open new career avenues for Victorians.

The Chisholm Engineering Priority Workforce Project, launched in 2022, has recruited 111 people into the manufacturing and engineering sector, surpassing its initial target of 100 workers, the government said in a news release. 

Minister for Employment Vicki Ward visited NuForm Steel, a metal fabrication company, to celebrate the milestone and highlight the project’s impact.

The initiative, developed in partnership with Chisholm Institute, provides on-the-job training with a strong emphasis on employing women, helping those who have struggled to find work transition into new, sustainable careers.

“Exceeding our original target shows just how well this project has worked – there are great opportunities and support for people, including women, to get new skills and join growing industries like manufacturing,” said Minister Ward.

One of the project’s success stories is Naomi, who dreamed of becoming a pilot but faced career setbacks. 

She joined the Chisholm Engineering Priority Workforce Project and is now thriving as a fabrication apprentice at NuForm Steel, while simultaneously studying for her Diploma of Building and Construction.

The Chisholm Engineering Project is one of Jobs Victoria’s Priority Workforce Projects (PWP), which have collectively delivered over 7,400 jobs across 37 projects. 

These initiatives have supported a wide range of industries, including early childhood education, disability care, aged care, agriculture, hospitality, construction, energy, and natural resources.

“Incorporating training and skill building into the work supports employees and employers here in Knox to get the best people for these jobs,” said Member for Bayswater Jackson Taylor, emphasising the importance of these projects for local communities.

Damien Van Eyk, chief commercial officer of Chisholm Institute, praised the collaboration between the institute and the industry. 

“Chisholm is especially proud of this successful collaboration with industry. It’s resulted in many jobs for people facing barriers to employment, ensuring a thriving, diverse, and inclusive workforce for the manufacturing industry in south-east Melbourne,” he said.