Women in Trades Manufacturing Toolkit

About the toolkit

The Women in Trades Manufacturing Toolkit is a digital e-learning resource developed by Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) to support and empower women beginning their careers in the manufacturing industry. Tailored by a gender diversity specialist, this toolkit addresses the unique challenges women face in male-dominated trades and provides resources to foster professional development and workplace resilience.

Overview and objectives

The toolkit aims to:

Offer a structured support system through accessible online modules on MSQ’s Learning Management System (LMS).
Equip female apprentices with skills and resources to navigate career development, overcome gender-based challenges, and thrive in manufacturing.
Address gender-specific needs through ergonomic tools and properly fitting safety equipment designed for women.

Key features

Gender-specific ergonomic and safety resources: Highlights tools and safety equipment tailored to women, ensuring comfort and efficiency.
Empowerment resources: Training materials emphasize self-advocacy, resilience, and strategies to counter workplace bias and discrimination.

The toolkit not only supports immediate professional needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term career success in manufacturing for women, fostering an inclusive workplace culture.

Setting SMART goals, staying connected, networking, and mentoring

Define and achieve clear goals, build professional networks, and access mentors within the manufacturing industry.

Start learning

Growth and confidence in manufacturing

Focuses on personal growth and developing confidence, encouraging women to recognise and build on their strengths.

Coming soon

Aligning values, overcoming challenges and building resilience

Covers topics like workplace respect and strategies to navigate and overcome challenges related to gender bias and discrimination.

Coming soon

Equity and inclusion, well-being and work life balance

Provides guidance on building a support system and cultivating workplace allies to foster an inclusive and supportive environment.

Coming soon

Career development and celebrating women in manufacturing

Encourages long-term career planning and celebrates female role models within the industry to inspire ongoing growth.

Coming soon

Frequently Asked Questions

There is no cost to access the toolkit.

The toolkit has been designed to support female employees in manufacturing to improve attraction and retention.

The modules are provided through Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s learning management system. To access the course visit https://courses.msq.org.au/.

Each module will take 45-60 minutes to complete.

You can access the toolkit modules anytime during and after completion. These modules offer practical information and resources designed to support your success in your manufacturing career. Be sure to save the toolkit link for easy access whenever you need it.

The toolkit modules are available online. You can access it from any computer, tablet or mobile. We recommend using a computer for optimal experience.

Women in Trades Mentoring Program

Empowering tomorrow’s tradeswomen: Shape your career, learn new skills, overcome challenges

In partnership with the Queensland Government, Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ) is excited to present the Women in Trades Mentoring Program. This initiative aims to provide exceptional support to 100 female apprentices in their first or second year of their manufacturing apprenticeship.

Expressions of interest are now open for Round 2.

Find out more