Empowering women in advanced manufacturing across the Central Coast

The Albanese Government is opening doors for women in traditionally male-dominated industries with the launch of the ManufactHER: Empowering Women, Transforming Advanced Manufacturing project on the New South Wales Central Coast.

The ManufactHER project is receiving $920,000 under the Albanese Government’s $60 million Building Women’s Careers (BWC) program to improve how women working in advanced manufacturing are hired, supported at work, and promoted into leadership roles.

Through the development of toolkits, policy templates and case studies, the project’s progress will help inform a potential rollout into the advanced manufacturing industry nation-wide.

The project is being delivered and locally led by Central Coast Group Training (CCGT). CCGT will implement job-sharing, gender-neutral recruitment and mentorship programs to support women’s participation and advancement in the workforce.

Alongside others in the industry, CCGT will lead this project to:

• implement workplace policies that promote flexible work arrangements supporting people managing caregiving and professional responsibilities;
• create a mentoring network to attract and support women in advanced manufacturing roles, outlining clear progression pathways in the industry; and
• establish workplace initiatives, including delivery of workshops on gender-sensitive leadership, respectful workplace practices and safety, and establish pre-employment pathways with TAFE NSW.

The Albanese Government’s BWC program is delivering 20 partnership projects across Australia, addressing barriers for women entering, remaining and advancing in the traditionally male-dominated industries of construction, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and digital and technology. 

For more information on BWC projects, visit: www.dewr.gov.au/building-womens-careers-program

Quotes attributable to Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles:

“To help address the skills needs of communities like the Central Coast, we need to be encouraging everyone – not just half of the population – to consider careers in industries like advanced manufacturing that provide secure, long-term, well-paid work.

“This project is all about reaching women at a grassroots level and showing them what’s possible in the industry – work that is critical to Australia’s future, and that is adaptable to different needs in people’s lives.

“By working in partnership with industry, education and community stakeholders, we’re tackling barriers to help build a more inclusive and skilled workforce that delivers for communities across Australia, including on the Central Coast.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Dobell, Emma McBride:

“The Albanese Government is supporting people across the Central Coast, including through opportunities to enter the workforce locally in industries like advanced manufacturing.

“The ManufactHER program is a demonstration that the Central Coast is leading the way for communities across Australia in developing the workforce we need for today and for the future.

“Ensuring women have access to equal career opportunities in all industries and sectors is part of our Government’s commitment to closing the gender gap and addressing Australia’s skills shortages.”