With workforce shortages and rising costs squeezing regional manufacturers, the New England North West’s engineering and manufacturing sector will get a rare chance to compare notes with national industry leaders when the Future Made Forum opens in Tamworth next week.
The forum will be held on Tuesday, 1 September at UNE Tamworth, in partnership with major partner Joblink Plus, marking the official opening of the region’s Future Made 2026 program for a fourth year running.
Themed Industry, Innovation and Impact, the forum will bring together local manufacturers, engineering employers, industry leaders and educators to talk workforce shortages, rising costs, and the need for stronger support and capability across regional manufacturing.
“This Forum is about backing local industry and supporting regional growth through one of the New England North West’s most important sectors,” said Stephanie Cameron, Regional Director – New England North West at Business NSW.
Confirmed keynote speakers include Mark Helou of the Advanced Manufacturing Readiness Facility, who will speak on turning innovative ideas into real manufacturing outcomes, and Vijay Kumar of Bosch Australia Manufacturing Solutions, who will unpack what robotics, automation and technology can unlock for local businesses.
Leon Drury of Manufacturing Skills Australia will address how the region builds and sustains its manufacturing workforce, a theme that carries through to a fireside chat on the Future Made program’s outcomes and regional collaboration, and a final panel discussion on turning strategy into action.
The forum will also spotlight the Open for Business Site Tours, organised by the NSW Department of Education, which give school leavers direct exposure to local manufacturing and engineering employers, connecting the region’s future talent with real employment opportunities.
“This region already has real manufacturing and engineering capability, and this is where we build on it for the future,” Ms Cameron said.
Since it began, the Future Made program has introduced more than 500 students to careers in engineering and manufacturing, partnered with more than 30 businesses, facilitated 54 work experience placements, and helped secure 22 apprenticeships and three school-based apprenticeships across the New England North West.
The New England North West Future Made Forum 2026 runs from 10.30am to 2pm on Tuesday, 1 September at UNE Tamworth, Fitzroy Street. Tickets are available at 123tix
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