Women in Manufacturing

With new and rewarding opportunities emerging in advanced manufacturing, attracting, retaining and promoting highly skilled women into this sector is key to further innovation and growth.

Queensland manufacturers are recognising that increased diversity boosts productivity, fosters a more creative environment, and can improve morale and employee retention.

Encouraging more women to pursue a career in manufacturing is critical to the industry’s continued growth.

The Women in Manufacturing Strategy will attract and retain women in the industry, with particular focus on increasing participation in traditionally male dominated roles.

The Strategy will achieve this through four priorities:

1. Supporting diversity, equity and inclusion in the manufacturing industry.
2. Building on our existing capabilities and skills to further women’s leadership and development.
3. Boosting women’s participation in VET, building the STEM pipeline and promoting advanced manufacturing capabilities throughout secondary and tertiary studies.
4. Celebrating and showcasing the women in Queensland’s manufacturing industry

Read the Women in manufacturing strategy 2023 (PDF, 2.1MB).

2023 Women in Manufacturing events

Our Women in Manufacturing events highlight the importance of mentoring the next generation of women in industry and help establish supportive networks.

A key initiative of our Advanced Manufacturing 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan, each event features a panel of prominent female trailblazers from the manufacturing industry.

Our panellists will be discussing Queensland’s manufacturers’ ability to innovate, the impact a strong manufacturing sector has on the economy, and the opportunities and importance for women to contribute to and actively shape the future of the sector.

These events are aimed at women working in the manufacturing industry and female science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students. However, entry is open to both women and men.

• Ipswich – 2 May 2023
• Mount Isa – 11 May 2023
• Cairns – 16 May 2023
• Gold Coast – 6 June 2023
• Moreton Bay – 8 June 2023
• Toowoomba – 20 July 2023
• Sunshine Coast – 27 July 2023
• Townsville – 10 August 2023
• Bundaberg – 7 September 2023
• Gladstone – 5 October 2023
• Mackay – 10 October 2023

For information on event details, or to register, click the links above or email Advanced.Manufacturing@rdmw.qld.gov.au.