Progressing my career in manufacturing
Information about removing barriers that prevent women participating in and advancing their careers in manufacturing.
On this page
Equity in the workplace
Women who work in manufacturing should expect equity in the workplace, where women have the same opportunities as men. This means people from diverse backgrounds and identities can achieve the same outcomes as their male peers.
However, there is currently a lack of women in management and leadership roles across the manufacturing industry due to structural discrimination. This can be seen when workplaces:
- don’t offer flexible work arrangements, which affects people who take time out of work for caring responsibilities
- overlook women for promotions when compared to men
- don’t challenge misperceptions about women and gender diverse people’s ability to lead a team that is majority-men.
Wraparound supports for career progression
To support women’s careers across the manufacturing industry, there are programs designed to increase participation and progression, including in leadership roles.
These wraparound supports may include:
- mentoring
- leadership programs to support career aspirations
- networking opportunities
- peer-to-peer support
- leave for health conditions, including menstruation, menopause and endometriosis
- cultural leave
- family violence leave (which Australian workers are entitled to)
- sponsors actively looking for ways to support women’s advancement.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/TVXoc7hraNQ?autoplay=0&start=0&rel=0
Women in manufacturing – NAWO mentoring program
Resources and information
- Australian Manufacturing Workers Union Offers support for women looking to enter and advance in the manufacturing sector. AMWU website
- National Association of Women in Operations Offers mentoring programs for women and allies working in operations. NAWO website
- Empowered Women in Trades Provides programs and services to increase women and non-binary people’s participation in trades. EWIT website
- Tradeswomen Australia’s training and support programs Offers a range of programs and resources for women looking to enter or advance in trades. Tradeswomen Australia’s Training and support services page
- Geelong Manufacturing Council Offers a network for women working in manufacturing in the Geelong and Ballarat regions. GMC Women in Manufacturing Network page
- South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance Offers mentorship, skills training, events and networking opportunities for women in South East Melbourne looking to enter and advance in the manufacturing sector. Women in manufacturing page
Spotlight on Victorian Government action
Reducing barriers to women’s workforce participation through Best Start, Best Life
The $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms aim to lower the cost of early childhood education and care. This will help address one of the biggest barriers to women joining the workforce.
Best Start, Best Life includes:
- Free Kinder for all Victorian 3- and 4-year-old children at participating services. Available for both standalone (sessional) services and long day care (childcare).
- Four-Year-Old Kindergarten is becoming Pre-Prep. This will be a universal 30-hour-a-week program of play-based learning for every 4-year-old child in Victoria.
- Set up 50 affordable and government-owned early learning centres in areas that most need them. This will make it easier for families to access education and care.
Case studies
Rita - Special process torque tightening manufacturing engineer, Alstom Group
Rita completed a mechanical engineering degree and started her manufacturing career with Toyota, becoming the first woman engineer on site at Toyota as a quality engineer.
Courtney - Formulations specialist, Bega Group
Courtney studied food science and biotechnology before moving to Strathmerton in Victoria’s central north to work at the Bega Group as a formulations specialist.
Louise - CEO of National Association of Women in Operations
I hope for a day when we don’t actually have to focus on gender and that everybody is valued for the diversity that they bring to the workplace.
Updated 19 September 2025
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