The Andrews Labor Government will boost manufacturing, create highly skilled jobs and help businesses grow as part of a new industry strategy unveiled today.

Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan joined workers at Jayco Australia to unveil Advancing Victorian Manufacturing – A Blueprint for the Future.

The strategy, backed by $12 million in new funding and initiatives, builds on the Labor Government’s successful programs to support manufacturing businesses and create new jobs.The statement sets out four key actions including:

• creating manufacturing jobs of the future
• helping small to medium businesses grow, innovate and capture new market opportunities
• strengthening the local supply chain
• taking Victorian companies to the world and find export opportunities

New initiatives will help manufacturers develop new products, improve training and skills, increase competitiveness and support export growth.

The Government’s Advanced Manufacturing Advisory Council, led by Ross Pilling, developed the strategy which features input from businesses, industry associations, unions and research organisations.

The $18 million Future Industries Manufacturing Program has already supported more than 30 projects to create more than 250 new jobs.

Manufacturing employs more than 283,000 Victorians. In 2016, manufacturing experienced the fastest employment growth of any industry in Victoria with around 40,000 new jobs created.

To access Advancing Victorian Manufacturing – A Blueprint for the Future, visit economicdevelopment.vic.gov.au/advancing-manufacturing