There’s something truly special about watching young minds light up when they discover new possibilities for their future. Recently, we had the incredible opportunity to visit Cleveland State Primary School, where we shared stories about the exciting world of manufacturing with an enthusiastic group of Year 3 students.
We were honoured to be joined by Assistant Minister Amanda Stoker MP and career book star Samantha Massey of StyroMax for this inspiring classroom visit. Together, we introduced students to our career book – You Can Make It, which profiles 15 amazing women in manufacturing—real role models who are shaping the future of Queensland industry.
The energy in the classroom was electric as AM Stoker and Samantha brought the pages of our book to life, engaging students in thoughtful discussions about what manufacturing really means and the diverse career pathways available in this dynamic industry.
Why manufacturing matters
Manufacturing is often misunderstood or overlooked when young people think about their future careers. Yet it’s an industry that offers incredible opportunities for innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. By showcasing the stories of 15 remarkable women who have built successful careers in manufacturing, we’re helping students see that this field is accessible, exciting, and full of potential.
The students asked thoughtful questions and shared their own ideas about what they might like to create or build in the future. It was a powerful reminder that when we expose young people to diverse career options early, we open doors they might not have known existed.
A big Queensland-made thank you
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Cleveland State Primary School, the wonderful Year 3 teacher who welcomed us into their classroom, and all the students who participated so enthusiastically. Your curiosity, thoughtful questions, and genuine engagement made our visit truly memorable and meaningful.
These kinds of visits remind us why career education matters—and why it’s so important to start these conversations early. When students can see themselves reflected in the success stories of others, they begin to imagine bigger futures for themselves. What’s particularly exciting is that many students are already engaging in manufacturing processes through their craft activities, design projects, and hands-on learning at school. They’re already makers and creators—they just might not realise yet that these skills can lead to rewarding careers in manufacturing.
Get your copy of the book
Inspired by what you’ve read? You can get your own copy of our career book featuring 15 amazing women in manufacturing directly from our website. Whether you’re an educator, parent, or student, this book is a valuable resource for exploring the exciting opportunities in Queensland manufacturing.
Looking forward
As we continue to share our career book with schools across Queensland, we’re committed to inspiring the next generation of manufacturers, innovators, and leaders. Today’s Year 3 students are tomorrow’s problem-solvers, and we’re excited to play a small part in helping them discover the amazing opportunities that await them in Australian manufacturing.
If your school would be interested in a similar visit, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can inspire young minds and build a brighter future for Queensland manufacturing.