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 any year of their manufacturing apprenticeship.
Eligibility criteria apply.
Express your interest for future rounds.
This mentoring program is especially beneficial in workplaces where female representation is limited, offering apprentices the personal guidance they might otherwise lack. Best of all, there is no cost for apprentices, mentors, or employers to participate.
Manufacturing Skills Queensland carefully matches mentors and mentees based on their experience, interests, career goals, and preferences to help foster meaningful and supportive mentoring relationships. The matching process is designed to create valuable connections that encourage professional growth, knowledge sharing, and confidence-building, while cultivating a collaborative community focused on continuous learning and support.
Register your interest today
Are you a female manufacturing apprentice (in any year), or a manufacturing school-based apprentice?
Are you an employer looking to support your female apprentices by connecting them with experienced mentors, or do you have experienced female workers ready to share their knowledge as mentors?
As an apprentice or trainee, you’ll be paired with a knowledgeable and experienced female mentor who understands the ins and outs of the industry. Your mentor will provide one-on-one support each month, either in person or online, to help you navigate your apprenticeship training and explore exciting career opportunities.
As a mentor, you’ll have the rewarding opportunity to support and guide a female apprentice in the manufacturing industry.
By regularly connecting with your mentee each month, either in person or online, you’ll help her navigate her apprenticeship and career journey.
Empower your workforce and drive your business forward by participating in our Women in Trades Mentoring Program.
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The Women in Trades Manufacturing Toolkit is a dedicated resource designed to support female apprentices and women entering Queensland’s manufacturing industry for the first time. In this male-dominated field, our toolkit provides essential guidance to help you succeed in your professional journey.
Consisting of five modules covering essential topics such as goal setting, staying connected, and mentoring; building confidence and assertiveness in a male-dominated industry; identifying and aligning personal values, building resilience, and addressing workplace harassment; achieving work-life balance and maintaining physical and mental well-being; and celebrating women’s achievements through networking, role models, and case studies. Each module includes reflection tools to help women navigate and thrive in their careers.
Start your journey with confidence and connect with a supportive community of women in manufacturing.
For more information about the Women in Trades Mentoring program, or how to register as a mentee or mentor, contact our Industry Engagement Manager, Diversity.
Mentees will answer a series of questions about their interests, apprenticeship, and personal background. Using this information, our algorithm matches them with a like-minded mentor. These mentors have experience in non-traditional trades and possess the understanding, expertise, and knowledge to support manufacturing apprentices in succeeding in career paths typically dominated by men.
Over the 6 month period for each round, participants are asked to commit to the following:
At the end of the 6 months, we encourage you to remain with the program with a new mentor, or if you transition from a 2nd year apprentice to your 3rd year, you may consider becoming a mentor.
10 December 2025 | Applications open at 9am
2 February 2026 | Applications close at 5pm
9 February 2026 | Mentors and Mentee receive their match contact details and invite to the online or in person launch events.
19 February 2026 | Online launch event 4pm – 4.45pm
18 July 2025 | Applications close at 5pm
21 July 2025 | Mentors and Mentee receive their match contact details and invite to the online or in person launch events.
7 August 2025 | Online launch event 4pm – 4.45pm
8 August 2025 | In-person launch event 7am – 8.30am at Victoria Park, Brisbane (sit down breakfast & coffee included)
26 November 2024 | Applications open
17 January 2025 | Applications close at 5pm
27 January 2025 | Mentors and Mentee receive their match contact details and invite to the online or in person launch events.
6 February 2025 | Online launch event 4pm – 4.45pm
7 February 2025 | In-person launch event 8.15am – 9.30am at Victoria Park, Brisbane
21 June 2024 | Applications open
16 July 2024 | Applications close at 5pm
22 July 2024 | Mentees and Mentors matched
29 July 2024 | Mentors and mentees receive calendar invite for online launch webinar
7 August 2024 | Online launch event
The Women in Trades Mentoring program is funded by the Queensland Government.
25 May 2026