Australia’s advanced and precision manufacturing sector is evolving rapidly, and the skills required to thrive are changing just as fast. At AMTIL, we’re committed to supporting the development of a highly skilled workforce that can meet the challenges of tomorrow.

National Manufacturing Skills Summit

In August 2025, industry leaders, educators, and policymakers came together in Canberra for the National Manufacturing Skills Summit. The event explored critical issues around workforce capability, training pathways, and strategies to future-proof our sector.

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Gain insights into the discussions, recommendations, and next steps shaping the future of manufacturing skills in Australia.

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Skills Summit attendees participate in round table discussions

Introduction to the CNC Operator Project

Following the 2025 National Manufacturing Technology Skills Summit, several critical gaps were identified in how CNC roles are defined, classified, and supported across Australian manufacturing. In response, AMTIL established the CNC Operator Advisory Panel, bringing together representatives from industry, training organisations, and workforce development to address these issues and guide the development of nationally recognised CNC occupational standards.

The Summit highlighted several critical challenges affecting CNC workforce development, including:

  • the absence of a shared definition of what a “CNC operator” is
  • inconsistent use of CNC job titles across industry
  • outdated ANZSCO/ABS classifications that do not reflect modern CNC work
  • training environments struggling to keep pace with rapidly advancing CNC technologies
  • unclear progression pathways between operator, technician, and advanced roles
  • limited national data to support workforce planning

These gaps affect training design, job classification, recruitment, and workforce planning. An Advisory Panel has been assembled to address these issues and guide the development of nationally recognised CNC occupational standards.

What the Panel Has Identified

The CNC Operator Advisory Panel has examined the current state of CNC roles across Australian manufacturing and identified several critical issues that need to be addressed to support workforce development and training alignment.

  • No shared definition of CNC roles Job titles and responsibilities vary widely, creating confusion for employers, jobseekers, and training providers.
  • Training misalignment Training programs cannot be effectively designed until CNC roles and levels are clearly defined.
  • Classification gaps CNC roles are often forced into broad ANZSCO categories such as Metal Machinist (First Class) or Machine Operators nec, which do not reflect modern CNC work.
  • Rapid technological change CNC, automation, robotics, digital systems, and AI are evolving faster than training environments can adapt.
  • Need for nationally recognised occupational standards Clear CNC role levels (Operator, Technician, Advanced/Para‑professional) and technology‑agnostic skill frameworks are essential.
  • Inconsistent job titles Titles such as CNC Operator, CNC Technician, and CNC Manufacturing Technologist indicate different levels of responsibility and expertise, but are not applied consistently.
  • Common core skills Mechanical aptitude, interpreting technical drawings, operating CNC machinery, performing basic maintenance, measurement and quality checks, and teamwork are shared across organisations.

These findings form the foundation for the project’s next steps and highlight the need for a national evidence base.

CNC Operator Advisory Panel Members

The project is guided by a national Advisory Panel comprising:

  • Simon Bowen — CEO, Jenera
  • David Mittelheuser — Teacher, TasTAFE
  • Matthew Baker — Manager Engineering, Chisholm Institute
  • Darren Payne — Manager Training Products & Projects, Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance
  • Darcy Miller Stapleton — Engineering Workshop Manager, QinetiQ Pty Ltd
  • Craig Murphy — Trainer/Assessor, Australian Institute of Engineering
  • Paul Philips — Managing Director, Benson Machines Pty Ltd
  • Maddie Dutton — Engineering Education Manager, Chisholm Institute

What the Project is Doing

Building on the Summit outcomes and the Advisory Panel’s findings, the CNC Operator Project is undertaking a coordinated set of activities to strengthen CNC workforce capability and support national workforce planning.

  • Developing shared national definitions for CNC roles Creating clearer role descriptions and levels to support consistency across industry and training.
  • Building a comprehensive evidence base Collecting national data on CNC workforce demand, skills gaps, recruitment challenges, and future needs.
  • Mapping current training pathways Identifying strengths, gaps, and opportunities to better align training with modern CNC technologies and industry practices.
  • Engaging directly with industry Understanding onboarding processes, operator development, workplace learning, and retention practices.
  • Preparing future occupational standards aligned with OSCA Establishing the foundations for nationally recognised CNC occupational standards.
  • Establishing a Community of Practice (CoP) Connecting practitioners, trainers, employers, and technical experts to share knowledge and strengthen capability.
  • Publishing insights and recommendations Supporting national workforce planning through evidence‑based reporting and industry‑validated findings.
  • Launching a national CNC workforce survey Gathering broad industry input to validate Summit findings and inform the development of occupational standards.

National CNC Workforce Survey

To build a credible evidence base, the Advisory Panel reached consensus to launch a national CNC workforce survey. The survey expands on the Summit findings and gathers broader industry input on:

  • Workforce demand over the next 2, 5, and 10 years
  • CNC role definitions and job titles
  • Skills, knowledge, and capabilities required
  • Technology use, including automation and AI
  • Recruitment challenges and future needs

This data will support the development of occupational standards and help align training with real industry requirements.

Click Here to complete the survey

Get Involved

We’re building programs and partnerships to strengthen skills development across the industry, and we want you to be part of it. Whether you’re an employer, educator, or training provider, your input matters.

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Education and Training Pathways

From CNC machining and robotics to advanced materials and digital manufacturing, there are diverse career opportunities in this sector. Pathways include:

  • Vocational Training – TAFE and industry-recognised certifications
  • Apprenticeships & Traineeships – Hands-on experience with leading manufacturers
  • Higher Education – Engineering and technology degrees with a manufacturing focus
  • Upskilling Programs – Short courses and workshops for experienced professionals