- Nominations open for the Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards 2026.
- Awards to inspire women in manufacturing, with up to $10,000 to support their careers.
- The Crisafulli Government celebrates Queensland's manufacturing trailblazers with Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy to drive jobs across the sector.
The Crisafulli Government is putting the next generation of manufacturers in the spotlight, with nominations now open for the 2026 Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards.
The awards recognise Queensland's manufacturing trailblazers, with $10,000 on offer to the state's Leading Apprentice Award winner, and a $5,000 prize to the runner-up Highly Commended Apprentice Award.
Judged on demonstrating outstanding leadership and a passion for excellence in the workplace, the prizes will assist winners to further boost their career by funding training or helping with costs such as tools and uniforms.
Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the Crisafulli government is proud to back women in the manufacturing sector after 10 years of decline under Labor.
"These awards are about celebrating the trailblazing women leading the way in manufacturing, because we want more young women to see the exciting opportunities in this sector," Minister Last said.
"Through the Crisafulli Government's Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy, we're putting manufacturing back at the heart of our state's economy by cutting red tape, driving investment and giving more young Queenslanders pathways to rewarding, secure careers.
"But right now, women only make up a quarter of the manufacturing workforce. As we grow the sector through the Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy, we want more women to be part of that success, whether it's on the factory floor, in a robotics lab or alongside emerging industries like critical minerals processing.
"Opening doors for young women to pursue diverse careers in manufacturing is a priority for the Crisafulli Government, because it's about delivering real opportunities for the next generation."
