The Creative Class

From gap year to great career: Manufacturing sector offers opportunities for school leavers

As school leavers weigh their next move, champions of Hunter industry are encouraging gap year students to consider a future in manufacturing – an industry at the heart of Australia’s energy transition, defence capability and economic growth. Hunter Manufacturing Awards Chair Jacqui Daley says the Hunter is manufacturing heartland and the industry continues to go from strength to strength making it a fantastic career option. “As the Australian Government rolls out its A Future Made in Australia strategy, manufacturing is experiencing a major resurgence. From renewable energy to advanced defence tech, the demand for skilled workers has never been higher. “Harnessing solar, wind and hydro power requires infrastructure – and that starts with parts manufactured right here in the Hunter,” Daley said. “Just last month we saw our HMA start-up of the year, Allegro Energy, be granted a US patent for its micro-emulsion electrolyte technology and this is just one of many inspiring local businesses succeeding on a global stage.” “What is clear is that innovation is just as likely to come from a component maker in Cardiff as it is from a capital city think tank.” With more than 250 apprentices and trainees currently placed across 50 organisations and three States – and 75% of those roles in manufacturing – one Hunter-based training group is offering young people a chance to kickstart their careers through hands-on training and real-world skills. Hunter Manufacturing Awards board member and Chief Operating Officer of Hunter Career Connections Nick Couper says students taking a gap year should explore the opportunities on offer in the local manufacturing sector. “For many school leavers, early acceptance into university has meant a real narrowing of focus to the different learning and career pathways that are available. We want to encourage young people to explore the other opportunities available […]

New pilot program to strengthen regional manufacturing

The NSW Government is continuing its commitment to rebuild the state’s manufacturing industry with the launch of an $800,000 pilot program aimed at boosting productivity, reducing costs and increasing competitiveness. The Lean Manufacturing Pilot Program will provide small-to-medium-sized manufacturers across regional NSW with funding to undertake audits by professional consultants that will identify ways to re-organise their manufacturing operations. Lean manufacturing is an internationally recognised business management process that revolves around the principles of continuous improvement, waste elimination, and a customer-centric approach. It focuses on creating products more efficiently by eliminating unnecessary steps, saving time and using fewer materials in the production process. This approach helps businesses produce goods with fewer resources, without compromising on quality. More efficient processes mean production lines manufacture fewer products with defects, which in turn reduces operating costs related to providing returns and waste disposal. For example, a regional food manufacturer might reorganise production lines to improve efficiency, implement preventative maintenance to reduce equipment breakdowns and implement just-in-time inventory management to reduce excess stock and waste. The audits, undertaken as part of the program, will offer tailored recommendations to help businesses identify inefficiencies, streamline operations, reduce waste and increase productivity, while also highlighting training opportunities for staff. Several major companies have successfully implemented lean manufacturing to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity over the past decades including Toyota, Ford Motor Company, Boeing, General Electric and Nike. Many regional NSW companies such as the Bega Group in Bega, Donaldson Australia on the Central Coast, Belmore Engineering at Tamworth, Flavourtech in Griffith and Tyree Transformers at Braemar have also successfully used lean manufacturing principles. Manufacturing is a key driver of the NSW economy, contributing nearly 30 per cent of Australia’s total manufacturing output. In regional NSW, the sector generates $32 billion in sales and employs 84,000 […]

Student architecture exhibition challenges the boundaries of our skyline and imagination

Student architects from Western Sydney University have hosted their second consecutive end of year exhibition highlighting innovative and creative works by talented students within the University’s Architecture program. The exhibition, titled ‘Beyond the Horizon’, challenged the current architectural landscape and skyline of Sydney by offering new insights and re-imagining urban landscapes for the future of Western Sydney. Supported by Western Sydney University’s School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, and organised by student led organisation, Beyond Architecture WSU, the exhibition was attended by industry experts, academia, and representatives from Blacktown and Cumberland City Councils. President of the Beyond Architecture team, Mary Anne Yosef said the exhibition featured a range of projects designed by architectural students throughout the year. “Beyond the Horizon is a wonderful opportunity to witness the creativity and passion of the next generation of architects,” said Mary Anne. “The conceptual designs and models reflect our students’ exploration of new and creative approaches to design. I am both proud of and deeply grateful to our amazing Beyond Architecture team and our tutors for coming together to bring this remarkable exhibition to life.” Maters of Architecture student and Vice President of Beyond Architecture, Amanda Eessa’s project, titled ‘Cultural Landscapes: Migration’s Influence on the Architectural Identity of Western Sydney’ investigates the dynamic relationship between migration and architecture in Western Sydney. Aiming to inform on how migration influences design practices and architecture, Amanda’s work has identified a gap in contemporary research regarding the unique architectural identity of Western Sydney, specifically, the influence of diverse migration patterns on creating cultural hubs. “By utilising a mixed-method approach, the research offers an analysis on Western Sydney’s cultural community hubs and micro-neighbourhood infrastructure, and significant cultural practices that can inform how future architects design for diverse households,” said Amanda. Bachelor of Architecture student, Raymond Haroon’s project, titled ‘Parramatta Arcade’, is a re-imagined […]