How to become a Manufacturer
Plans, organises, directs, controls and coordinates the operations of a manufacturing establishment.
Main tasks
- Identifies business opportunities, devises new manufacturing processes, and determines products to be manufactured
- Develops business plans and implements operational, marketing and pricing decisions
- Manages and oversees the allocation of resources, including materials, equipment and personnel
- Directs the activities of production, warehousing, distribution and other operating units
- Researches and implements regulatory and statutory requirements
- Oversees quality control systems for manufacturing, waste disposal, delivery and other procedures
- Coordinates orders for raw materials, supplies and equipment, and arranges packaging, delivery and wholesaling of products
- Oversees the provision of quotes for the manufacture of goods and arranges contracts with customers
- May devise and oversee the implementation of production run schedules
Ways in
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Engineering - Planning (MEM60322); Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology (MSA60108); Diploma of Engineering - Planning (MEM50722); Diploma of Manufacturing Technology (MSA50108); Diploma of Production Management (MSM50316)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- About 21,700 people work in this job group now, and about 25,800 are projected by 2035. (+18.8%)
- AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Manufacturer?
Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Engineering - Planning; Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology.
Is a Manufacturer a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 19% by 2035, from about 21,700 to about 25,800 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Manufacturer?
Usually not. Only 17% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Engineering - Planning; Advanced Diploma of Manufacturing Technology.
Will AI change the work of a Manufacturer?
AI is likely to change parts of this job. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as medium.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04