Queensland introduces annual Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards

The Queensland government has opened nominations for the inaugural Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards.

In a statement on Monday, it said that awards would be presented at the first of what would be an annual event – the International Women’s Day Women in Manufacturing Breakfast – in 2024.

According to the statement, the awards “seek to celebrate Queensland’s leading female apprentices who demonstrate strong leadership capabilities in the workplace” and would come with a first and runner-up prize worth $10,000 and $5,000, respectively.

(Nominations can be made at this link.)

“MSQ is extremely proud to support this initiative and looks forward to learning about the amazing apprentices who are leading the way in their workplaces,” said Manufacturing Skills Queensland CEO, Rebecca Andrews.

“We know that diversity delivers benefits for all, and we will continue to develop programs and initiatives that support industry to attract and retain a diverse workforce within the manufacturing sector.”

The awards form part of the state government’s Women in Manufacturing Strategy, launched earlier this year. The government is currently celebrating the state’s inaugural Manufacturing Month.

“By raising the profile of women in manufacturing, we can grow the number of women we see entering the workforce,” said manufacturing minister Glenn Butcher.  

“As I’ve said before – you can’t be what you can’t see so we want to promote the incredible role women are playing in manufacturing so we see more women employed in manufacturing businesses across Queensland.”

Picture: credit Queensland government