Federal MP for Braddon, Brett Whiteley, is pushing for federal government assistance worth $1.5 million in adjusting to the end of manufacturing at Caterpillar Underground Mining.
Caterpillar announced in April that it will cut 280 positions at Burnie as it shifts production to Thailand.
"These men and women have significant experience and skills in advanced manufacturing – skills the North-West cannot afford to lose," the MP told The Examiner.
There were opportunities in the region, said Whiteley, citing trade agreements with Japan, South Korea and China.
However, help would be needed in training and reskilling workers, carrying out a skills audit, and identifying opportunities.