Leading the charge in NSW ‘Driving Digital Skills’ Pilot Program
Grifco’s Gosford team was selected to join the NSW Government’s Driving Digital Skills Pilot Program, supporting the upskilling of local workers in Industry 4.0 and digital manufacturing. Over 12 weeks, employees gained advanced digital capabilities, earning praise from government ministers who recognised Grifco’s leadership in innovation, technology adoption, and long-term workforce development.
Driving Digital Skills in Australian Manufacturing
At Grifco and the wider Chamberlain Group, we remain deeply committed to local manufacturing, innovation, and the development of a highly skilled workforce. This dedication was recognised when our Gosford team was invited by the New South Wales Government to be among the first manufacturers to join the Driving Digital Skills Pilot Program - a forward‑looking initiative designed to strengthen digital capability across key Australian industries.
Supporting the Future of Advanced Manufacturing
The Driving Digital Skills Pilot Program aims to equip both seasoned and emerging workers in fields such as defence, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing with the digital expertise required for the future of industry. By enhancing digital literacy and capability, the program supports businesses as they adapt to new technologies, smarter processes, and rapidly evolving manufacturing environments.
Pioneers in Digital Manufacturing Skills
Grifco was selected as an early participant in the program due to our strong reputation for cutting‑edge innovation and our ongoing transformation toward a more digitally integrated factory.
Over a 12‑week period, three Gosford employees - Thomas Walker, Fahad Quddeh and Brandon Van Staden - took part in online workshops, expert mentoring, coaching, and industry events. This experience enabled them to develop new skills in Industry 4.0, project life cycle management, and computer‑aided manufacturing (CAM).
“Training and upskilling workers mid‑career can facilitate an easier transition into emerging roles that require new skills, by supporting workers to understand digital transformation – its benefits, and how it will drive productivity,” said Graeme Sheekey, General Head of Operations Oceania at Chamberlain Group.
Graeme continued:
“We were thrilled to be invited to join this ground-breaking program and give our employees the unique chance to develop their digital skills. Our involvement in this program allows Grifco to continue to lead the way in developing and using new technology and driving world-leading technical and commercial innovation.”
Ministerial Visit to the Gosford Facility
To recognise Grifco’s involvement in the pilot program, the Gosford factory welcomed Alister Henskens, Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology and Minister for Skills, along with Adam Crouch, Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal.
During their tour, the ministers commended Grifco’s holistic approach to innovation, including our early adoption of advanced manufacturing technologies and commitment to upskilling local workers.
“There is growing need for workers to develop greater digital skills so they can effectively work alongside new and emerging technology and this program is one of the ways we are responding to this need,” said Mr Henskens.
He concluded:
“Chamberlain Group is a great example of how advanced manufacturing businesses can benefit from workforce development initiatives that make our state an attractive place for industries to grow, invest, and create jobs.”
