The Gold Coast Titans NRLW team have rallied behind the Palaszczuk Government’s Women in Manufacturing Strategy as part of a new sponsorship to attract women to the industry.
The Women in Manufacturing Strategy was first launched in March 2023 to attract and retain women in the industry, with particular focus on increasing participation in traditionally male-dominated roles.
The new partnership will promote the Women in Manufacturing Mentoring Program and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Toolkit.
The Mentoring Program is designed in collaboration with Ai Group. The Program helps young women in school and new entrants to manufacturing build confidence, develop their careers and expand their networks. Eligible applicants will be matched with an industry mentor who will support and guide them towards achieving their career goals.
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Toolkit is being delivered to manufacturing businesses across Queensland. The virtual resource will provide strategies to employers looking to diversify their workforce, improve resilience and reduce turnover.
There are many parallels between women working in traditional male dominated industries and women in sport, as we work towards gender equality and promoting equal access to opportunities.
Queensland’s manufacturing sector contributes $20 billion a year to the economy and employs around 180,000 Queenslanders.
Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing Glenn Butcher and the Palaszczuk Government is committed to attracting women to the sector, as research identifies that the Queensland workforce will need an additional 280,000 to keep up with demand by 2024/25 and manufacturing will be one area to feel this shortfall.
“A bigger and more diverse manufacturing industry means more secure Queensland jobs," Minister Butcher said.
“We know it’s difficult for manufacturers to attract and retain skilled workers, and we know that only 11% of workers on the tools are women – we can do better than this.
“Attracting and upskilling women is a win-win for the workforce and for women, who can find a rewarding career in manufacturing.
“A partnership with the Titans NRLW team, just makes sense. This is a fantastic opportunity to share lessons from succeeding in traditionally male dominated fields.”
Titans CEO Steve Mitchell is proud to be joining forces with the Queensland Government to help promote opportunities for women.
“Our club is absolute in its commitment to the development of the women’s game in rugby league and with the national spotlight on women’s sport at the moment it’s a great time to be involved," he said.
“We are excited to be partnering with the Queensland Government in a program that is aligned in values and objectives, with both organisations striving to achieve greater opportunities for women, in work and in sport.”
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Toolkit can be found on the DRDMW website.
The Mentoring Program can be found on the Ai Group website.
