The Cairns Manufacturing Hub, in partnership with Makers Empire, has introduced the Queensland Advanced Manufacturing – Future Skills School Program to strengthen student engagement with manufacturing career pathways in Far North Queensland.
In a LinkedIn post, Manufacturing Queensland said the initiative aims to highlight opportunities in manufacturing while providing teachers and students with tools to connect classroom learning to real-world industry needs.
The program began with teacher professional development sessions at Cairns State High School, where staff from seven local schools participated in industry immersion, 3D modelling and design thinking, maker-based pedagogies, and training on Flash Forge 3D printers.
According to Manufacturing Queensland, teachers also toured CSF Industries for an on-site experience of advanced manufacturing in practice.
According to Manufacturing Queensland, the next phase will see students apply design and STEM skills to identify and solve manufacturing problems while also developing business cases.
The initiative will conclude with a student-led Showcase and Pitch Day on 10 November at Cairns State High School, with industry representatives invited to attend.
Participating schools include Cairns State High School, St Mary’s Catholic College, Trinity Bay State High School, Bentley Park College, Radiant Life College, Gordonvale State High School and Innisfail State College.
