This strategy aims to encourage more women and girls to pursue a career in manufacturing, while supporting the industry to create inclusive and accessible workplaces for everyone. The strategy highlights key ways for industry to increase women’s participation and equity in the sector, along with practical tools and resources for manufacturers of all sizes.

The manufacturing industry is critical to Victoria’s economy. It is a major employer, export earner and driver of new technology and innovation. However, women currently make up only one-third of the Victorian manufacturing workforce. Women are particularly underrepresented in trade-based, technical, STEM and leadership roles.

Meanwhile, many Victorian manufacturers are currently struggling to find enough people with the right skills, such as engineers, welders, fabricators and fitters. This strategy is a partnership with industry to address the underrepresentation of women in Victoria’s manufacturing sector and respond to skills shortages in this critical.

The strategy outlines:

• what gender equity looks like in practice
• how to address barriers that prevent women working in manufacturing
• how to attract, recruit, retain and support women to thrive in Victoria’s manufacturing workforce.

The strategy focuses on the following priority action areas:

• clear and appealing pathways for women and girls
• access to education and training for women and girls
• support for economic equity and leadership opportunities
• accountability for workplace safety, culture, diversity and wellbeing.