The Australian Manufacturing Workers’ Union (AMWU) welcomes the federal government’s announcement today that sees a genuine investment into women’s participation in trades and technology.
The AMWU is a successful applicant of the Building Women’s Careers’ $4.9 million grant that will see the delivery of a national project that aims to target structural and cultural barriers experience by women in advanced manufacturing and clean energy industries across Australia, with additional efforts in construction and digital technology.
The project will comprise two key initiatives to break barriers in industry and training.
The first initiative will involve partnering with dozens of companies, with the support of community organisations, to improve flexibility, workplace culture and gender equity in workplaces.
The second initiative aims to collaborate with TAFEs, GTOs, and industry to evaluate VET courses to identify barriers and deliver and promote flexible training and co-designed pathways for women into apprenticeships and technical roles.
AMWU National Secretary Steve Murphy said the grant will go towards breaking down historical structural and cultural barriers experienced by women in manufacturing industries.
“Women who work in the manufacturing industry have been shattering barriers for generations. There is this perception that manufacturing is not an industry where women want to work.”
“The truth is there are structural and cultural barriers to women getting a fair go when applying for the secure, well-paid jobs that manufacturing provides.”
“This project will drive the structural and cultural change needed to support more women to train and take up jobs in manufacturing. There is no secret that skills shortages exist in those industries where employment is gendered.”
“Our project will also involve partnering with TAFE and key businesses to encourage more women in trades.”
“We’re proud that this grant has been awarded to our union. Our rank-and-file delegates in these workplaces are on board and will make sure that workers’ voices are heard. We will see more women on the tools,” Mr Murphy said.
Media contact: Sonia Feng 0478 599 580