The Queensland Government has highlighted the role of women in strengthening the state’s manufacturing sector, announcing the winners of the 2026 Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards and opening nominations for the Women in Manufacturing Leadership Program.
The announcements were made at the Women in Manufacturing International Women’s Day Breakfast, where the state government said increasing female participation remains a key focus of its Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy 2025-30.
According to the Queensland Government, the awards recognise exceptional female apprentices across the state’s manufacturing workforce and aim to highlight emerging industry leaders.
Second-year automotive electrician Zahlee Wheeler from Allweld Manufacturing received the 2026 Leading Apprentice Award for her leadership and efforts to encourage more girls to take up a trade. Laila Stevens from Eckersley Print Group was named Highly Commended Apprentice for her mentorship of fellow apprentices and advocacy for women working in manufacturing.
Wheeler will receive $10,000 and Ms Stevens $5,000 to support further education, career development, or tools and uniforms related to their trades.
Queensland Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the initiatives form part of the Crisafulli Government’s broader strategy to strengthen the state’s manufacturing sector and support greater female participation in the industry.
“Women make up 27 per cent of the manufacturing workforce today and the Crisafulli Government is committed to creating more opportunities for women,” Mr Last said.
“There is no better way to spend International Women’s Day than recognising the female apprentices that are forging their own path and the bright futures ahead of them.”
Last said the Women in Manufacturing Leadership Program is designed to support women progressing through the sector.
“The Women in Manufacturing Leadership Program supports women in their journey from factory floor to boardroom with one-on-one mentoring and professional development,” he said.
The Queensland Government said the Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba Manufacturing Hubs have also been delivered as part of an election commitment to help businesses build capability and support local manufacturing jobs.
Applications are now open for the 2026 Women in Manufacturing Leadership Program, which aims to encourage more women to pursue careers in manufacturing.
