Manufacturing Skills Queensland (MSQ), with support from the Queensland Government, 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.
Applications close Friday 9th October.
The Women in Trades Mentoring Program provides a support network connecting apprentices with more experienced females in the industry to deliver guidance and advice as they complete training and navigate the transition into the workforce.
Over the course of 6 months, mentees and mentors participate in online and in-person activities, including one-on-one mentoring sessions, workshops and networking events, providing the opportunity to connect with a network of like-minded females within the manufacturing community.
Manufacturing Skills Queensland is funded by the Queensland Government to deliver the Women in Trades Mentoring program.
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)? Access mentoring here.
Are you working in manufacturing and interested in becoming a mentor? Apply to become a mentor here.
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 mentee, 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.
Additional eligibility may apply.
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.
Additional eligibility may apply.
Female or male mentors welcome (mentees will be asked their preference in the application form).
MSQ is here to support you through the mentoring journey, with a range of practical tools and resources available to help you feel confident and prepared to deliver mentoring.
You will have access to a mentoring induction, along with conversation starters, suggested topics and activities to help guide your one-on-one sessions. Mentors and mentees will also be encouraged to reflect on their progress and keep track of any goals or actions discussed.
These resources are here to guide you, not restrict you. Every mentoring relationship is different, and you and your mentoring partner can decide what you would like to discuss and how you would like to structure your sessions.
Empower your workforce and drive your business forward by participating in our Women in Trades Mentoring Program.
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.
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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.
The Women in Trades Mentoring program is funded by the Queensland Government.
5 August 2026