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The Access Economics report says the Metals and Engineering sectors in Victoria have been investing in production upgrades and e-commerce to improve efficiency. The report regarding the manufacturing, engineering and mining industries, commissioned by Skills Victoria, is available for download (pdf) here.

The supply side issues they say are globalisation, the strength of the Australian dollar, environmental and sustainability issues, government policies, technology, ageing population and availability of appropriate infrastructure.

The key demand side issues they say are the fallout from the global financial crisis, greater emphasis on sustainability, changing demographics with an ageing population and social trends.

They conclude that “the state has emerged from the crisis in good shape and recovery looks set to continue”

Occupational profile. This month - Metal Fabricator.

The most common Metal Fabrication trades are Boilermaker and Sheet Metal Worker. A closely related trade is that of Welder (1^st class). All of these occupations are on both the Victorian and National Skills Shortage lists.

Each of these Engineering Trades is obtained through an apprenticeship that is normally of 4 years duration.

Boilermakers and Sheet metal workers will examine plans, drawings and specifications to determine tool, equipment and materials requirements. They then roll, bend, heat, shape and weld a range of materials as well as setting up and operating Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) machines.

Welders (1^st Class) undertake allied activities utilising a full range of welding materials and processes.

Boilermakers, Sheet metal workers and Welders are employed in a wide cross section of industry including Light Metal Manufacturing, Heavy Engineering, Aerospace, Marine, Mining and Automotive Industries.

Career paths can lead to roles such as the technical functions of producing design drawings, supervision of the manufacture of precise components, management of complex production systems and to Engineers who design system controls and instrumentation, undertake production planning and technical sales.

You can obtain more information at the following sites:-

Youth Central. Mark, a Metal Fabrication Apprentice, reveals what is involved in his apprenticeship.

Manufacturing Skills Australia. (From makeit.net.au site.) Interactive schematic of career opportunities in the Fabrication Trade.

Wodonga TAFE video (from Skills one tv). Pat Barnes, a teacher in Engineering Fabrication takes us through features of the trade. This course provides job opportunities in the areas of: sheet metal working, boilermaker, drafting, computer based specialist welders, welding inspectors/supervisors, costing/estimating sales, engineering at university.

Manufacturing and Engineering Skills Advisory Board Inc

Manufacturing and Engineering Skills Advisory Board (MESAB) is the Industry Training Advisory Body (ITAB) for the Manufacturing, Engineering and Mining Industries in Victoria

To ensure there is strong industry leadership of the training system, the Victorian Government funds a network of 16 ITABs which are experts on training needs and delivery in their particular industries.

ITABs provide authoritative, independent information on training needs. and promote skills development and take-up of training by businesses in their industries.

The Skills Victoria website has further details about the ITAB network and its role in the Victorian training system.

MESAB is one of the 16 ITABs. Our purpose is to provide the Victorian Government with up to date advice on the skills development needs of the industries covered by MESAB.

These industries include:

· Aerospace manufacturing and maintenance

· Petroleum and Chemical manufacturing

· Polymer and Rubber product manufacturing

· Metal Product manufacturing

· Mineral Product manufacturing

· Automotive component manufacturing

· Transport Equipment manufacturing

· Scientific Equipment manufacturing

· Computer, Electrical, Electronic & Appliance manufacturing

· Civil Engineering

· Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

· Mining, Quarrying and Drilling

· Boating and Shipbuilding

· Cablemaking

· and many other industry sectors that require people to exercise manufacturing and engineering skills.

MESAB works closely with Skills Victoria to ensure that the Victorian Government is well apprised of the skill development needs of Victoria’s manufacturing and engineering industries.

We also work with a range of Government Departments and agencies to maintain and improve the seamless pathways available through the Schools, TAFE and Higher Education systems.

MESAB also works closely with a number of national Industry Skills Councils to ensure Victoria is well represented at the national level and to co-operatively work towards implementing national manufacturing and engineering qualifications.