For small manufacturers, investing in automation and new technology is only part of the productivity equation. Having the right people, skills and workforce structures in place is just as important.
That’s why a new Skills and Workforce Development Subsidy from Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) is worth knowing about.
Eligible small Queensland manufacturers can access $2,000 worth of specialist workforce and HR support to help turn workforce plans into practical action.
For manufacturers looking to improve productivity, introduce automation or prepare their business for growth, it could be an opportunity to strengthen the people side of that transformation.
What does the subsidy cover?
The program is designed to help manufacturers address practical workforce challenges rather than simply producing another strategy document.
Eligible support can include:
- Training and skills development plans
- Employee onboarding and development programs
- Performance management frameworks
- Workforce retention and engagement strategies
- Recruitment strategies aligned with skills requirements
- Position descriptions and clearer role responsibilities
- Workforce policies and procedures
- Business owner coaching on workforce management
The subsidy provides eligible businesses with access to pre-approved specialists, with the support aligned to a workforce plan developed with an MSQ Industry Workforce Advisor.
There is a lot more on offer
MSQ Welding Training and Certification subsidy
MSQ is subsidising 50% of eligible welding training costs during 2026 for Queensland manufacturing businesses with fewer than 200 employees. Training includes welding supervisor qualifications and ISO 9606 welder certification, with delivery across Brisbane and major regional manufacturing centres. This is particularly relevant to robotic welding users because it helps manufacturers build the qualified welding capability around automated cells.
MSQ Operational Excellence Program
Fully subsidised for eligible employees of Queensland manufacturing SMEs with up to 200 employees. The program specifically covers process optimisation, reducing waste, innovation and applying Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 concepts, so it is very relevant to businesses preparing for automation.
MSQ Engineering Cadetship Program Subsidy
Provides a 50% subsidy on student contributions for eligible participants completing CQUniversity’s Associate Degree of Engineering through an approved regional manufacturing cadetship. Eligible businesses are generally SMEs with fewer than 200 employees operating in regional Queensland.
Up to $300 subsidy per eligible employee for approved short courses, available to employees of Queensland manufacturing SMEs with fewer than 200 workers. It is smaller support, but useful as an additional workforce benefit alongside an automation project.
Sustainability Manufacturing Benchmark Program
Queensland Government support covering more than half the cost of a sustainability benchmark assessment. Eligible manufacturers receive an onsite assessment covering energy, water, waste and Scope 1 and 2 emissions, plus implementation support and 12 months of KPI software. Businesses currently pay $2,140 where they have up to 100 staff or $2,680 above 100 staff. It could be a useful precursor to an automation/decarbonisation investment.
Why this matters for manufacturers investing in robotics and automation
Automation can transform a manufacturing operation, but achieving its full value depends on more than installing equipment.
Businesses also need people who can confidently operate, support and work alongside new technologies.
That can mean identifying future skills requirements, determining where existing employees need development, creating clearer responsibilities and putting processes in place to attract and retain people with the capabilities the business will need next.
MSQ itself identifies automation, digitisation and new production methods as factors changing the skills manufacturers require.
For a smaller manufacturer, however, finding the time and specialist expertise to tackle those workforce issues can be difficult.
The subsidy is intended to help close that gap.
Get more value from your technology investment
At Industrial Robotics, we see automation as an investment in the overall capability of a manufacturing business. It is not simply a piece of equipment.
The strongest automation projects bring people, processes, and technology together.
If you’re considering robotics or automation, workforce planning can help you think beyond the immediate installation and ask important questions:
What skills will our team need?
Which repetitive or difficult tasks could be automated?
How can existing employees be developed into higher-value roles?
What capabilities will we need as production grows?
How do we make sure our people are ready to get the most from our technology investment?
Taking the time to answer those questions can help turn automation into a broader productivity and capability strategy.
Thinking about automation? Start with the bigger picture.
If you’re planning to automate a process, increase production capacity or reduce reliance on repetitive manual tasks, this is a good opportunity to consider the workforce capabilities you’ll need alongside that technology.
Industrial Robotics can help you identify where robotics and automation could deliver the greatest value in your operation and develop an automation approach aligned with your production goals.
Talk to Industrial Robotics about your automation opportunities and start building a more productive, scalable manufacturing operation.
