As Geelong enjoys high-profile government attention in its transition out of the auto industry, Melbourne’s north is still waiting for its cue to join the “transformation”.
Soon, very soon, was the state government’s response when the Weekly asked when it would turn its attentions northwards.
“Ford has already helped nine Victorian- based automotive suppliers to earn new business with the company’s regional and global operations,” state Manufacturing Minister David Hodgett said.
“Victoria’s manufacturing industry is in transition, but it is still a major contributor to the state’s economy. The Victorian Coalition government is working hard to stimulate investment in new technologies that focus on export markets, which is clearly the way forward for Victorian manufacturing.”
Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said the company would host a jobs fair in Broadmeadows next month and would also be working with local auto parts suppliers at this week’s trade fair in Geelong, part of the government’s Automotive Week showcase.
He said Ford would appoint 20 experts in marketing and sales to help source business and employment opportunities for suppliers and highly skilled manufacturing workers. He said the company was moving to “refresh” its line-up of some models by next year and was “gaining traction” in the marketplace as a result.
But an ever-rising number of business closures in Melbourne’s north has given rise to calls for workers to retrain and upskill before the axe falls.
Kangan Institute’s skills recognition manager Wendy Schwedes said the manufacturing and aviation sectors were being hardest hit.
Ms Schwedes urged workers to get their existing skills recognised and then look at “gap” training.
“People don’t have to start fresh,” she said. “There may be opportunities still in manufacturing for people to improve their skills and improve their opportunities. It’s important to start looking before you leave.”
Ms Schwedes cited pharmaceuticals, food processing and specialist medical equipment as three manufacturing sectors with positive growth trajectories for the north.
