Representatives from the City of Greater Bendigo, Bendigo Manufacturing Group, TAFE, La Trobe University, and Regional Development Victoria will be among those attending. 

“Despite positive economic growth, businesses in the region continue to report difficulty in attracting the right skills and some areas continue to be in high demand, such as welders, so we need to take action to ensure the local manufacturing industry remains strong now and into the future,” Trevor Budge, of the City of Greater Bendigo, said. 

He said the Regional Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing skills workshop was prompted by the findings of several surveys last year, which revealed the skills gap shortage in the manufacturing industry as a major concern.

RELATED: Survey says: More welders wanted in central Victorian region

Bendigo Manufacturing Group chair Mark Brennan said connecting skills and meeting the skills gaps was top of the agenda for the future growth of the region.

“The workshop will identify current workforce needs, discuss how to better engage school leavers and attract quality workers to the region, and consider how to shake off preconceived ideas of the manufacturing industry,” Mr Brennan said.

“We must work together to address the skills gaps and find ways to strengthen the partnership between industry and education to create a positive image for the sector.”

Today’s workshop will take place at the Bendigo Regional Business Centre in King Street.

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