Hi everyone. I'm Glenn Butcher Queensland's Minister for Manufacturing.
Strengthening the representation of women in manufacturing
is a top priority for this government.
That's why in March this year
I launched the Women in Manufacturing strategy
to support and encourage more women
into careers in the Queensland manufacturing industry
Of the 180,000 people employed in Queensland's
manufacturing sector about 30 per cent
of the workforce are women.
However when we look at those numbers it shows
that women make up only 11 per cent of workers
in workshop occupations and they are heavily
over represented in clerical roles.
Research tells us that Queensland will need an extra
280,000 manufacturing workers over the next four years.
So there's a huge opportunity for women to forge
exciting careers in the manufacturing industry.
And that's why I'm excited to announce our
schools to industry mentoring program for young women.
The program will better connect young women
into the industry's trades and technical jobs
and boost women's participation in manufacturing.
Through the program participants will be able to build
self-confidence and relationships with women
in the industry and their employees.
Additionally being a mentor can help develop leadership
and communication skills, build a diverse
professional network and create a lasting impact.
So the program will support female school students to
plan a career in manufacturing and help them reach
their development goals,
share knowledge experience as well as personal
and professional networks
provide a support mechanism for new entrants
into manufacturing and also to encourage women
into the manufacturing industry.
We are partnering with AI Group and Brancher
a science-based mentoring platform that connects
compatible mentees with mentors and provides them
with our support throughout their mentoring journey.
Successful applicants will be matched with someone who
will be a good fit based on skills, business experience
personality, values and more.
You'll meet monthly, face-to-face,
or through an online meeting
whatever is most convenient for you.
So, who are we looking for?
For the mentor, you are an established professional in the
in the manufacturing area and are wanting to
give back to the industry and support others.
We would love for you to express your interest.
For the mentees, those who are looking
for a mentor we are looking for female
students who are in grade 10 or above and are interested
in a career in manufacturing.
You may already be a school-based apprentice
or just interested in what a manufacturing career may look like.
So to find out more about the program, whether you are
eligible and how you can apply, head on to the AI Group's
website. Thank you all so much for showing interest.
