Women in the manufacturing and automotive industries have been given the chance to win $5000 towards achieving their career qualifications and goals.

Manufacturing Skills Australia is offering the scholarship to promote the engagement of women within Australian manufacturing industries. The Study Award will contribute to the winner’s education fees for a nationally-recognised and accredited course of the winner’s choice.

As well as providing a valuable career boost for the winner, the study award is aimed at helping to create a culture of innovation within our manufacturing industries by rewarding women who create positive change within their chosen industry.

In addition to the scholarship, the winner will also have the chance to help establish the Women at work – making a difference industry network to help encourage more women to take up careers within manufacturing industries.

National Coordinator of the AMWU Skilled Trades Committee, Ian Curry, has welcomed the announcement.

“Industries, workers and communities all benefit when the achievements of women in manufacturing are recognised and promoted.

“The AMWU plays a significant role in MSA and we strongly support this initiative. Our industries are richer for the increased levels of participation by women and we are delighted to be involved in programs which encourage greater recognition of women working in manufacturing.”

In particular, Mr Curry emphasised the importance of such schemes in improving the quality of experience for women manufacturing and automotive apprentices.

“The AMWU engages fairly heavily with apprentices and it’s very encouraging to see that a growing number of them are women. This study award would be ideal for an AMWU apprentice who wanted to pursue a post-trade skills development as part of their careers planning.”

Women from all backgrounds, areas of manufacturing, and levels of formal qualifications are encouraged to apply. Enterprises may also nominate one or more of their female employees who have made significant contributions to their workplace or who have shown their commitment to improving the manufacturing industry.

Applications for the Award close on Friday 28 May. The application form and more information can be found at the MSA website at: http://www.mskills.com.au/.