Defence giant backs Breaking Barriers project for women's careers in trades

The Albanese Government is backing a project to strengthen pathways for women into high‑skill defence manufacturing roles critical to Australia’s future workforce.

BAE Systems Australia is joining the Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) as a new partner in the Breaking Barriers: Women in Trades and Tech project – backed by $4.9 million under the Government’s Building Women’s Careers (BWC) Program.

The project brings together unions, industry, employers and training providers to drive real opportunities for women to train, enter and stay in traditionally male‑dominated industries.

Representatives from government, industry, unions and the defence manufacturing workforce attended the announcement at Australia’s premier naval shipbuilding hub, the Osborne Naval Shipyard in Adelaide.

BAE Systems Australia is the nation’s largest defence company, with more than 70 years of operation. They will work with project lead - the AMWU - over the next two years to strengthen training and skills support that grows the pipeline of women starting and staying with careers in defence manufacturing, including through engineering short courses, site tours and workplace experience programs.

This builds on activities organisations in the Breaking Barriers project delivered in the first year, such as short courses, “try-a-trade” events and site tours, giving women an opportunity to see and experience what their future could look like in industries like defence manufacturing.

The project also launched the 2025 Women’s Voices from the Floor report, drawing on the voices of experienced women in the workforce to identify barriers and develop solutions to create safer, fairer, and more equitable workplaces.

The Breaking Barriers project was launched in March 2025 and is being delivered across Australia, with two key initiatives: Breaking Barriers in Industry and Breaking Barriers in Training.  

The industry initiative partners with companies, with the support of community groups, to improve flexibility, workplace culture and gender equity in workplaces. The initiative is reaching over 30,000 workers during the project. 

The training initiative collaborates with TAFEs, Group Training Organisations (GTOs) and industry to deliver flexible, co-designed pathways for women into apprenticeships and technical roles. This includes delivering trauma‑informed training and developing gender‑inclusive action plans for workplaces, as well as promoting flexible shift arrangements to better support women balancing work and caring responsibilities.

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

“Getting more women into trades and technical jobs is essential for creating more economic opportunities for Australians, and for strengthening Australia’s long‑term industrial capability, including in defence manufacturing.”

“When we remove barriers for women and create clear, supported pathways into skilled work, the benefits flow across communities, industries and the economy – it’s good for individuals, families and our country.

“From Free TAFE to the Key Apprenticeship Program, from foundation skills to the Building Women’s Careers Program, the Albanese Government is backing in more opportunities for every Australian to get the skills they want, for the jobs we need.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, Amanda Rishworth:

“Our Government has made significant investments in the AUKUS program to secure Australia’s future defence capability and create lasting prosperity and jobs in South Australia.

“It’s critical that South Australian women are encouraged to pursue these careers in this emerging industry for the state that will set them up for great, long-term and well paid careers.

“Partnerships like this show what’s possible when government, industry and unions come together to open up opportunities for women in technical and trade careers.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“The Albanese Government is growing our sovereign defence industry, as part of a Future Made in Australia.

“There has never been a better time for women to consider a career 

in defence industry.

“This initiative will support women to take on high-skilled jobs in defence manufacturing that support our national security.”

Quotes attributable to AMWU National Secretary, Steve Murphy:

“Too many women are being driven out of high-skill, high-wage jobs because workplaces are failing them. That’s not just unacceptable – it’s a direct hit to our national capability.

“We know what the problem is. Nearly 80 per cent of women experience bias or harassment on the job, and too many are forced to leave. The solution is changing workplace culture and enforcing standards on the ground.

“The AMWU treats bullying and harassment as a safety issue – as serious as any physical hazard. Our delegates are leading that change on the shop floor, because every worker has the right to a safe and fair workplace.

“This partnership is about building a stronger, more inclusive workforce to meet the demands of Australia’s future – and making sure those jobs are secure, skilled and open to everyone.”

Quotes attributable to BAE Systems Australia, Chief People Officer, Angela Wiggins:

“BAE Systems Australia welcomes Commonwealth support for practical workforce initiatives in Defence manufacturing including major industrial projects such as the Hunter Class frigate program. 

“A joined-up focus on increasing female participation in trade programs at major industrial sites including Osborne Naval Shipyard will inevitably strengthen the nation’s industrial capability and economic security.

“Our partnership with the Commonwealth and the AMWU to deliver this program clearly demonstrates the constructive collaboration between employers and unions to ensure long term workforce sustainability.”