“We need people to know that moving to the South Coast, we have fast tracking available for leadership roles. For example, we can guarantee them a leadership role in the production area within six months” 

-John Lamont, Managing Director at Nowchem 

The NSW South Coast is home to a growing cluster of advanced manufacturing and defence solutions businesses, ranging from family-owned with fewer than ten employees to International companies employing hundreds locally. These businesses are innovating, competing on the national stage, and creating meaningful career pathways for local talent. 

The Workforce Challenge

John Lamont, Managing Director of Nowchem, an advanced manufacturer family-owned business with around 100 staff in Nowra, points to workforce demographics as one of the sector’s biggest concerns. 

“Our biggest issue is still the ageing workforce and not having the people with the right skills coming through to fill those roles as people retire,” John explains. 

For Nowchem, looking after their people is central to tackling this. Staff who reach seven years of service are offered a $1,000 annual health benefit to put towards things like gym memberships, remedial massage, or quit smoking programs. The aim is simple: keeping their team fit, healthy, and able to enjoy long careers. 

At the same time, Nowchem is investing in developing its people faster, giving staff opportunities to step into leadership roles. 

“We need people to know that moving to the South Coast, we have fast tracking available for leadership roles. For example, we can guarantee them a leadership role in the production area within six months,” John says. 

Skilled migration is also part of the solution. Nowchem’s multicultural team includes staff originally from Iran, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines. For Raj, who began as an intern, Nowchem has been life-changing. 

“He loves his job and he’s just been able to use his on-the-job experience here to demonstrate his capability as a Business Analyst, highlighting how Nowchem supports skilled professionals to thrive locally and, in turn, create pathways to permanent residency.” adds John. 

Technology and Changing Skillsets

Across the sector, automation and advanced machinery are changing the nature of work. For some, that means overcoming old stereotypes. 

“How do you make manufacturing sexy is still a difficult thing,” John admits. “It’s not just welding and grinding anymore. It’s quite clean really. Tradespeople now need to understand electronics and fixed pneumatics, not just traditional skills. But we still need to find ways to attract younger people into the industry.” 

At Smetec, a precision manufacturing company run by Tim and Louise, advanced technology is a big part of the story. The business recently invested in one of the largest folding machines of its kind between Wollongong and Victoria. 

“Our team might only ever be six people, but this technology means our output will match a business many times our size. It also makes the work safer, less physical, and far more rewarding and interesting,” Tim explains. 

Pathways into the Advanced Manufacturing Industry

For both Nowchem and Smetec, career development doesn’t always require a university degree. What matters most is attitude, willingness, and the ability to learn. 

At Smetec, one team member had no prior industry experience, joining after two decades as a cement renderer. Today, he operates high-tech laser machinery. 

“He came in with the willingness to learn, and we put the time in to teach him. That eagerness meant he picked things up in months, not years,” Tim says. 

Smetec also partners with schools to inspire the next generation. 

“We’re reaching out to local schools again because often young people don’t even know what opportunities exist until they see it up close,” Louise explains. 

Their current apprentice, Jayden, started out welding at school before joining Smetec and discovering a career. 

That challenge of raising awareness is echoed across the sector. Steph Steel from the Office of Defence Industry Support sees a gap between local aspirations and the opportunities available. 

“Many young people in the Shoalhaven don’t want to leave the region. They don’t understand what opportunities are available for them locally though.” 

Here, Steph highlights a key awareness gap: young people want to stay, but aren’t always aware of the career options available. 

“I think we need to better explain the trade and skills needed in the community, rather than trying to attract them by explaining that they’ll be building something that may become a defence product.” 

Pride, Purpose, and Community

For both businesses, pride in purpose and local community are central. 

“For us, it’s quite personal. We’re both ex-defence, our daughter is in the military, and my brother’s still serving. There’s pride in knowing the parts we make are part of that bigger picture of defending Australia,” says Louise. 

Nowchem echoes that sense of meaning, with staff contributing to industries that make a difference – from pharmaceuticals to defence. 

And both companies emphasise balance. At Nowchem, staff are encouraged to stay healthy and grow their careers. At Smetec, the team enjoys a nine-day fortnight, no city commute, and the chance to do varied, interesting work. 

“Working here is for someone who wants freedom in their job. There’s challenge, variety, and opportunity to grow,” Louise says. 

The Bigger Picture

The South Coast’s advanced manufacturing sector may still be fighting for talent against larger metropolitan organisations, but it offers something unique: community, variety, balance, and the opportunity to contribute to work that matters. 

As John Lamont puts it: 

“We need to increase our skilled migration and continue developing our people. Attracting talent to the South Coast isn’t always easy, but once people experience the lifestyle and the opportunities, they see the value.” 

And for smaller innovators like Smetec, the story is just as much about people as it is about machines. 

“We know that most people we hire won’t come in with the exact trade skills we need, and that’s fine. If they’re willing, enthusiastic, and want to upskill, that’s the key. The rest we can teach,” Tim says. 

The South Coast’s advanced manufacturers are proving that with the right mix of technology, training, and community, regional businesses can lead in industries of national importance.