This first issue of the year sets the context for what is shaping manufacturing skills, training and workforce policy in 2026—nationally and here in New South Wales. It brings together regulatory developments, workforce pressures, funding opportunities and practical guidance that directly affect manufacturers, employers and training partners across the state.
This edition highlights a number of critical themes: the reform priorities set by Skills Ministers for 2026, continued scrutiny of training quality and qualification integrity, escalating manufacturing vacancies, and the growing expectation that employers play a more active leadership role in workforce capability and risk management. These issues are no longer abstract policy discussions; they are now translating into real operational, compliance and productivity impacts for industry.
A key feature of this edition is the launch of the Hunter Region Assessor Skill Set Pilot. This targeted, fully funded pilot responds directly to industry-identified bottlenecks in assessment capacity that delay apprentice and trainee progression. By supporting experienced industry workers to gain nationally recognised assessor skills—while remaining employed in their businesses—the pilot is designed to strengthen local capability, improve training quality and reduce reliance on external assessment availability. For Hunter-based manufacturers, this is a practical opportunity to build internal capacity and support workforce continuity.
We encourage you to read through this edition in full, share it within your organisation and networks, and consider where the insights and opportunities outlined can support your workforce planning for the year ahead. As always, MSA welcomes engagement from industry on the issues raised and on how we can continue to align the training system with real manufacturing needs.
To read the fully interactive edition see this LINK
