Nominations are now open for the 2026 Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards, an initiative by the Queensland Government to recognise and encourage women pursuing careers in the state’s manufacturing sector.
The program will award $10,000 to the Leading Apprentice Award winner and $5,000 to the runner-up Highly Commended Apprentice Award, as revealed in a news release.
According to the government, the prizes are designed to assist recipients in furthering their careers, including funding training or covering costs such as tools and uniforms.
Manufacturing Minister Dale Last said the initiative forms part of the government’s Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy, aimed at revitalising the sector.
“These awards are about celebrating the trailblazing women leading the way in manufacturing, because we want more young women to see the exciting opportunities in this sector,” Minister Last said.
He added that the government’s broader strategy is focused on strengthening the industry. “Through the Crisafulli Government’s Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy, we’re putting manufacturing back at the heart of our state’s economy by cutting red tape, driving investment and giving more young Queenslanders pathways to rewarding, secure careers,” he said.
Currently, women make up around a quarter of the manufacturing workforce in Queensland, with the government stating that it hopes to lift this figure through new initiatives, according to the government.
“As we grow the sector through the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy, we want more women to be part of that success, whether it’s on the factory floor, in a robotics lab or alongside emerging industries like critical minerals processing,” Minister Last said.
The government said the awards are intended to not only recognise excellence but also encourage more women to consider careers in manufacturing.
“Opening doors for young women to pursue diverse careers in manufacturing is a priority for the Crisafulli Government, because it’s about delivering real opportunities for the next generation,” Minister Last said.
Nominations for the awards are now open, with further information available by clicking here.
