Australian Manufacturing Week is the largest advanced manufacturing exhibition in the southern hemisphere. An MTS student delegation experienced the colour, movement and innovation of an Australian industry sector that is not just thriving but morphing into a global leader in research, design, implementation and smart solutions.
74 students from Wheelers Hill, Wellington, Brentwood and Westall Secondary Colleges visited designated stands, where they met key industry reps, had a close look at technologies and learned about careers and pathways in advanced manufacturing, mechatronics, robotics and Industry 4.0
Students rotated in small groups around the Exposition and were able to visit stands that featured displays that featured CAD/CAM Manufacturing Software, Additive and Digital Manufacturing, Digitalisation and Robotics.
With hundreds of Exhibitors participating, students had sensory overload. An absolute highlight was the opportunity for students to watch the Techni laser jet water cutters in action. Techni water jet machine engineers have been developing and innovating new complete high-pressure abrasive water jet cutting solutions and are a global leader in this advanced manufacturing process.
Students also learned how digital manufacturing can develop 3D printed products that have revolutionised the Healthcare sector and saw first-hand how robots are literally doing the “heavy lifting” to support smart factories of the future. Exhibitors provided their time and expertise, discussing technologies, future projections and entry-level opportunities in their own organisations. Many stands set up provided demonstrations of their products and technologies, allowing students to immerse themselves in the future of advanced manufacturing.
Following the tour of the exposition, students visited the upstairs conference room to participate in a careers & pathways session. Panel members from Bosch Manufacturing Solutions, Monash University’s Faculty of Engineering and Objective 3D, provided local and global insights into an industry that has pivoted significantly and been re-imagined in recent years.
Students asked insightful questions and really challenged the panel to think about the role of Ai, what the most sought-after skill sets and where the future opportunities might lie. We can’t wait until the next AMW - who knows what manufacturing magic will be on display in 2025.
A huge thanks to organising partner AMTIL, with support from:
Leap Australia
Okuma Australia
John Hart
GWB Machine Tools
Headland Machinery
Techni Waterjet
Hitech Metrology
Autodesk
The Execution Factor
Cincom Systems
Injectronics
Evok3D
Guhring
Alfex
MADA
CSIRO
Objective 3D
Monash University’s Faculty of Engineering
Bosch Manufacturing Solutions
