Helping the manufacturing industry redesign jobs and grow a skilled youth workforce through innovation-focused, work-integrated learning.

Job Skills Connect is an initiative supported by Groei Education and the Australian Government that provides resources to bridge the gap between local talent and manufacturing industry needs. It focuses on developing skills that align with specific manufacturing sector demands through tailored training and job placement opportunities.

The Problem

Manufacturing businesses in regional areas are facing a critical workforce gap.

75% of businesses report skills shortages, especially in entry-level roles.
The Sunshine Coast and Wide Bay regions experience high youth unemployment, with many young people lacking access to real-world learning that translates into jobs.
Industry is evolving fast — with reshoring, decarbonisation, and advanced manufacturing driving demand for skills that traditional talent pipelines can’t meet.

The Solution - What makes this program Innovative!

A co-designed, work-integrated learning program tailored to manufacturing needs

Young people complete micro-credentialed, innovation-ready skills training, followed by an 8-week on-the-job placement.
Recruitment is based on skills rather than roles. Businesses use the redesign roles, shape placements, and embed future workforce strategies.
Tools are provided to businesses with coaching, onboarding, and videos to ensure long-term impact.

How It Helps Businesses

Access to skilled, motivated young people who are pre-trained and matched to your business needs
Support with role design and organisational structure to become youth-ready
Videos and workforce tools to embed change and build long-term capacity
Fresh thinking and future-ready skills that can invigorate teams and improve innovation

How It Helps Young People

Gain real-world experience through placements in advanced manufacturing environments
Earn industry-endorsed micro-credentials in problem solving, innovation, ethics, teamwork and more
Build confidence, career clarity and employability with ongoing mentoring and coaching
Explore different roles in a practical, low-risk way — “try before you decide”
Create genuine connections with employers who are actively hiring

How It Helps Industry

Builds a scalable, evidence-based model for addressing workforce gaps in regional manufacturing
Supports job redesign aligned to emerging tech and innovation needs
Strengthens regional economies by fostering local talent pipelines
Encourages collaboration across business, education and government to tackle systemic issues
Captures pilot data and case studies to inform future policy and investment

“Having a young person in the program gave us the chance to see how they work in a real environment — a genuine ‘try before you buy’ opportunity. At the same time, they weren’t just observing — they were building real skills, and could show evidence of what they were learning. It’s a smart way to connect with emerging talent who are learning what’s relevant, not just what’s theoretical.”

“This program empowers young people to discover themselves and gain confidence while exploring possible future pathways. It’s inspiring to see the students gain clarity and direction and become more confident at expressing themselves and communicating with others.”

“The pilot gave our members and industry a practical way to engage with emerging talent while helping shape the skills we know are critical in the workplace. It’s rare to see a program that listens so closely to industry needs — and delivers. This is the kind of partnership that helps build a stronger, more future-ready workforce.”

What our industry partners have to say

How can we help you?

Discover our tool, understand its functionality, and explore its potential benefits for your business.