The Queensland Government has opened nominations for the 2027 Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards, recognising women apprentices who demonstrate leadership potential, initiative and contributions to an inclusive manufacturing workplace.
Nominations opened on 28 August and will close on 9 October 2026. The statewide awards are presented by the Queensland Government through the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development in partnership with Manufacturing Skills Queensland.
The competition includes two categories: the Women in Manufacturing Leading Apprentice Award 2027, worth $10,000, and the Women in Manufacturing Highly Commended Apprentice Award 2027, worth $5,000 and sponsored by Manufacturing Skills Queensland.
According to the Queensland Government, an independent panel will judge nominees on qualities including leadership potential, initiative, contribution to an inclusive culture and effective communication skills.
The prize money must be used for eligible items including tools, uniforms, education or career development courses.
Nominations must be submitted by a Queensland manufacturing business, with only one nomination permitted from each eligible business. Finalists are expected to be notified in November 2026 and invited to a second stage involving an interview with the judging panel.
The government said winners will be announced at the Women in Manufacturing event in Brisbane on 12 March 2027, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
Eligible nominees must be employed as apprentices by a Queensland manufacturing business, work in a role supporting activities classified under the manufacturing division of the Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification, and be undertaking a registered apprenticeship and nationally recognised training.
The awards are intended to highlight the contribution of women apprentices across Queensland’s manufacturing sector.
