A male general manager of a national joinery company doesn’t sound like the typical mentor you’d expect to find in Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s Women in Trades Mentoring Program, but as you’ll soon understand – Matt Gray – might be exactly the type of person industry needs to motivate and affect positive change…
General Manager of Mayneline Joinery Matt Gray started his career in manufacturing in 1995 at an engineering thermoplastics manufacturer, feeding his curiosity for understanding how things are made and how things work.
Since then his manufacturing career has taken him to Melbourne, the Middle East and Asia – the latter seeing him spend twelve years observing different countries’ workforces – including those where women were recognised and respected for their manufacturing talents.
“The female management in some of those countries was awe-inspiring, and I also saw how well the (female) staff on the floor operated with precision, were hard workers and got on with the job,” Matt shared.
“I’ve now been back in Queensland for four years, and when I first walked into Mayneline, females weren’t empowered or provided a platform to demonstrate their capability. Four years on it’s purposefully different – we have women in senior leadership positions ,” he said.
Matt challenges manufacturers – including his own design and on-the-floor teams to get to ‘50% female’ – saying that it must be done now, and the way to encourage it is by rebutting stereotypes and by making workplaces feel safe and be flexible and equitable for women.
“I believe a healthy workplace is one that is balanced, inclusive without bias, and focused on performance and values. This is something that all leaders should strive for,” Matt said.
“I want to be that torchbearer – it’s been lit within me to be a role model – championing women in the manufacturing field and promoting inclusion,” he continued.
With that attitude it was no surprise then that Matt signed up to be one of the Women in Trades Mentoring Program mentors, after learning about the opportunity at an Manufacturing Skills Queensland industry breakfast.
“This program is playing its role in reshaping the landscape by addressing archaic perceptions and driving greater inclusivity of women in manufacturing,” Matt said.
“It is serving to inspire the next wave of young females that a career in manufacturing is real, and the time is now.”
As a mentor Matt shares his knowledge and experience with apprentices and trainees during formal and/or casual mentoring sessions over the six-month program.
Matched participants (via an initial screening questionnaire) meet for one-on-one sessions to go through suggested framework, and discuss topics relevant to the mentee’s career goals and professional development.
Matt’s mentee is an Apprentice Cabinet Maker based on the Gold Coast, who he’s been speaking with since 2024.
“We still chat at least monthly, all sessions are in person and have mainly focused on self-confidence, navigating different workplace challenges, mapping out career direction, building networks and her personal profile,” Matt shared.
“I am constantly impressed with the attitude and openness of women who are determined to learn, demonstrate and achieve greatness in manufacturing and are willing to challenge the status quo,” Matt said.
“The notion of (the lack of) confidence is the most common challenge I see – but it’s also where I observe the greatest improvement over time with the right tools, focus and determination.
“I’ve seen it for myself on the floor – when we’ve had female work experience students come here – they’ve blown the boys away as far as productivity, eye for detail, care for the product they’re working on, and following instructions goes,” he said.
Matt’s final words of wisdom: “Remember, you own your destiny; you are in control of your career. If you want something enough, strive for it and go after it.
“Seek a sponsor or mentor who can assist you on your journey, and who has a desire to see you demolish barriers,” he finished.
Expressions of interest are open to join Manufacturing Skills Queensland’s Women in Trades Mentoring Program.
5 August 2026
27 July 2026
27 July 2026