Women a winner in Vic gov manufacturing grants

Funding has been granted to ten organisations across Victoria to help support more women entering the manufacturing and energy industries.

About $1.3 million has been granted to overcome barriers for women looking to be a part of these industries, creating new pathways for the next generation of women to join or workers to transition into these sectors.

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins says this will help boost the state’s manufacturing industry and provide more economic opportunities for women.

“Supporting women to enter, stay and progress in energy and manufacturing careers is a win, win situation for women and Victoria’s industry employers,” Hutchins says.

“These grants support better economic outcomes for women, help organisations address skills shortages in some of Victoria’s strongest growth sectors and contribute to driving greater gender equality across the state.”’

The Victorian government says issues such as inflexible working arrangements, a lack of paid parental leave, gender discrimination, sexism and sexual harassment have dissuaded women from entering these industries.

The National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) was the biggest winner, receiving $200,000 to deliver its WaTT+ program, aimed at supporting female electrical apprentices and more inclusive training environments.

The Australian Workers’ Union received more than $191,000 to develop workplace gender equality training for manufacturing and support women in trade-based roles.

The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union was provided $100,000 to deliver its Women in Manufacturing program, which works with SMEs to develop more family-friendly shifts, transition women into more leadership roles, and create a female-focused peer network for the sector.

Both the Ai Group and the Geelong Manufacturing Council won more than $97,000 to help run their programs to aid the advancement of women in the industry, and address structural workplace barriers.

This is the second round of grants focused on boosting women’s participation in these industries and is part of a wider $2.7 million investment.

The initiative was formed as a part of a response to the state’s inquiry into economy equity for women.