In this episode we are joined by Sharon Robertson, CEO of the Manufacturing Industry Skills Alliance, to explore how Australia can close the skills gap in manufacturing and build a resilient future. Sharon unpacks the four transformational pillars reshaping the industry - clean manufacturing, circular economy, digital transformation, and sovereign capability. From mentoring programs to career perception shifts, Sharon shares how the Alliance is helping employers, educators, and the next generation navigate change, capture knowledge, and elevate the sector. Whether you're battling skills shortages, planning for succession, or curious how to engage Gen Z in manufacturing careers, this one's for you.

Part 2 of our Avalon Airshow special, we continue our journey through Australia’s most exciting tech and manufacturing innovations shaping defence, aerospace, and mining.

Shane and Paul catch up with four standout companies pushing the limits of what's possible:

Andrew Davies from Taz Drone Solutions shares how his team went from modifying off-the-shelf drones to designing purpose-built UAVs for dangerous mining, defence, and fire management missions.

Alex Reynolds from BLACK6 unpacks how their integrated learning environments use simulation, AI, and data analytics to transform training outcomes across aviation and heavy industries.

Shane Rapmund from Athena AI explains how their military-grade computer vision tools are reducing operator overload in complex environments — from battlefields to surveillance operations.

David Jervis from Gilmour Space talks launching Australia into orbit, with locally-designed rockets aimed at solving the growing bottleneck in satellite deployment.

This episode is packed with stories of homegrown innovation, manufacturing resilience, and real-world tech applications.

In this special episode recorded live at the 2025 Avalon Airshow, we explore the latest in aerospace and manufacturing technology with four standout innovators.

Brian Rajchel from Conflux Technology shares how 3D-printed heat exchangers are making aerospace systems lighter, smaller, and more efficient. Miro Miletic from MEMKO explains how additive manufacturing is helping airlines replace and certify critical cabin parts faster than ever. Lorna McLachlan from PowerJump showcases Zuken E3, a powerful digital twin solution that simplifies complex electrical systems for defense and heavy transport. And Jason Suter from Currawong Engineering gives us the rundown on their advanced motor controllers and power modules powering drones and next-gen mobility.

This is Part 1 of our Avalon Airshow series—stay tuned for more from the frontline of Australian innovation.