About the manufacturing industry
About these reports
These reports provide a point in time, data-driven overview of the workforce and skills for each industry.
The report does not provide a complete view of workforce dynamics within the industry. Its purpose is to support ongoing efforts to address workforce and skilling demands and to identify opportunities within the manufacturing industry.
Report coverage
This report focuses on the manufacturing industry and the occupations relevant to the industry, categorised using the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) classification of industries (ANZSIC) and occupations (ANZSCO).
Coverage in this report is limited to employment in the industry and sectors as defined by the ABS, noting some occupations are almost exclusively associated with an industry, such as surgeons in the health services sector, while others, such as accountants, are associated with many industries.
Furthermore, industry classifications rarely encompass the full nature of the work (and therefore skills) associated with a given industry. Therefore, ABS definitions of industries or sectors may not align with the definitions used by an industry association.
Key sectors of the industry
The manufacturing industry transforms raw materials into finished or semi-finished goods through mechanical, chemical or biological processes.
The key sectors within the manufacturing industry are:
- Food and beverage manufacturing – includes production of meat, dairy, bakery goods, beverages, sugar, confectionery and packaged foods
- Petroleum, chemical and plastics – includes refining petroleum, manufacturing of chemicals, fertilisers, pharmaceuticals and plastic products
- Metal and machinery – includes smelting, metal product fabrication, machinery and equipment production, and repair services
- Wood, paper and printing – includes timber processing, paper and cardboard manufacturing, and printing services
- Textiles, clothing and leather – includes yarn spinning, fabric production, clothing manufacturing, and footwear and leather goods.
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