Students and industry leaders mingle at Manufacturing Industry Showcase event

NEARLY 100 people attended the inaugural Manufacturing Industry Showcase event held at Burke and Wills Hotel in Toowoomba on Friday.

The event, hosted by the Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise and sponsored by JRS Manufacturing Group, gave students from Wilsonton State High School, Toowoomba Grammar School, St Joseph’s College, St Mary’s College, TAFE and the Australian Industry Trade College the opportunity to hear from representatives from key manufacturing businesses about future career opportunities.

“TSBE is launching a new series of events aimed at giving students and their parents, more information about career opportunities in local industries– in this case in the manufacturing industry,” TSBE General Manager – Health and Education, Jaden Frame said.

“The first in this new series focused on manufacturing but subsequent events will focus on different career areas, such as health, construction and agriculture.”

Keynote speaker David Stilianos, Production Capability Leader at Boeing Defence Australia, presented some insights into the ground-breaking MQ-28A Ghost Bat project which will be assembled locally at the Wellcamp Aerospace & Defence Precinct.

Attendees then heard from Jasmin Riddle, Chief Operating Officer of JRS Manufacturing Group about the innovative approach being taken to skilling the next generation of workers through the JRS Skills Academy.

Following that, students were able to engage with representatives from local businesses including Obadare Group, JRS Manufacturing Group, Russell Mineral Equipment and Wagners.

“With more than 1,700 students graduating from high school in the Toowoomba region each year, events like this are very important,” Mr Frame said.

“We want to find every opportunity to inspire this cohort to remain locally to take up exciting careers.

“It will play an important role in contributing to the region’s skills solution.”