Advanced manufacturing showcased at InnovateQ – Future of Manufacturing Expos

In November and December 2024, TAFE Queensland’s Toowoomba and Ipswich campuses hosted the InnovateQ – Future of Manufacturing Expos where industry suppliers demonstrated the latest in advanced manufacturing solutions for businesses.

TAFE Queensland Faculty Director of Infrastructure and Primary Industries (South West Region), Col Batzloff, said the expos were designed to bring together industry leaders, educators, students, and the local community to explore the future of manufacturing.

“These events were a fantastic opportunity for manufacturing business owners, members of the manufacturing workforce and tradespeople to see firsthand the innovations that are shaping the future of Queensland manufacturing,” said Mr Batzloff.

“The program featured presentations from industry-leaders including Applied Robotics, Haas Automation, Rockwell Automation, VNET Precision Farming with RDO Equipment and Markforged.”

“Attendees also gained insight into the future of advanced manufacturing education at TAFE Queensland including innovative remote access training solutions in areas such as robotics, 3D simulation, and CNC machining.”

TAFE Queensland General Manager of the South West Region, Kate Venables, said events like InnovateQ provide a forum for discussing emerging technologies, but are also an opportunity to discuss training opportunities and discover workforce solutions for local employers.

Mrs Venables tried Augemented Reality (AR) welding with TAFE Queensland engineering educator, Trevor Holley.

“We’re proud to work alongside regional manufacturers to help drive the future of the industry,” said Mrs Venables.

“These events are a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the future of manufacturing, so together, we ensure that TAFE Queensland’s training programs meet the evolving needs of the manufacturing sector, help support economic growth and create lasting job opportunities.”

According to Trade and Investment Queensland, the state is a base for more than 16,000 manufacturers and 24 research institutes, with Queensland recognised as an Advanced Manufacturing Hub the by World Economic Forum in 2020.

The Queensland Government has set out a 10 year growth strategy centred on innovation, training and commercialisation, to ensure the industry continues to lead the way in advanced manufacturing practices and solutions.

The InnovateQ – Future of Manufacturing Expos were free events and attendees had the opportunity to engage with interactive exhibits, attend informative workshops, and network with professionals from various sectors of the manufacturing industry.

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