While the Australian government has worked closely with small businesses to up-skill workers, it still has a long way to go in recognising and investing in vocations that will truly realise the potential of the nation’s manufacturing industry. “My concern is, where is all of this skill and capability going to come from?” asks Direct Edge chief executive, Diane Edgerton. “Do we have to import it because we haven’t up-skilled and we don’t have the time to be able to get these capabilities in place before we’re ready for it?” In this episode of the Defence Connect Podcast, Edgerton discusses the future of manufacturing in Australia, what it needs to flourish, and how she’s working toward getting her own business the recognition it deserves on the national stage. You’ll also hear about her experience working in a man’s world and how relying on her instincts and life experience helped grow Direct Edge from a simple jobbing shop to an advanced manufacturing business that works across multiple industries in multiple capacities. Enjoy the podcast, The Defence Connect team. www.defenceconnect.com.au