The report, delivered in partnership with Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE) and the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA), highlights the barriers that continue to prevent women from entering and staying in manufacturing careers.
Funded by the Victorian Government through its Women in Manufacturing and Energy initiative, the report draws on insights from student forums, gender impact assessments, and data on enrolment and retention. Its aim is to increase the number of women completing manufacturing apprenticeships and successfully transitioning into industry roles.
Although women make up nearly half of Australia’s workforce, they hold just 23% of roles in the manufacturing sector. They are also underrepresented in leadership and higher-paying positions, contributing to an average gender pay gap of 18.1% across the sector.
The report also highlights the broader economic implications of this imbalance. Currently, 65% of skilled roles in shortage are in male-dominated industries, where men make up more than 80% of the workforce. According to the report, increasing gender diversity in these areas could help ease labour shortages and strengthen the workforce overall.
Through evidence-based strategies, capacity building, and cultural change initiatives, it offers a scalable model for tackling gender inequality in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Chisholm is committed to creating inclusive training pathways for women in trades. By embedding gender equity into our programs and partnering with industry, we’re helping pave the way for long-term change.
More information read Nice-Work-if-You-Can-Get-it-REPORT(pdf-2.69Mb)
