- Broncos and Women in Manufacturing celebrate successful first season
- Miles Government Mentoring Program welcomed 11 mentoring pairs in first year
- Program attracts young women to explore a career in manufacturing
The new Miles Government has congratulated the participants of the first Women in Manufacturing Mentoring Program.
The participants were joined by Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher and Broncos players for a BBQ at the Broncos' Red Hill training grounds, to celebrate the program nearing completion.
Queensland's first Women in Manufacturing Mentoring Program has been running since January 2024.
The 11 mentoring pairs have met each month, with mentors passing on their knowledge and experience.
The mentees were drawn from Queensland schools, including Glenala State High School and St James; and the mentors are from a wide range of industries including Elexon Electronics, Drake Trailers and Mayneline Joinery Pty Ltd.
Today's celebration ahead of the final mentor session was an opportunity for all participants to network and meet Broncos ambassadors before touring Graham Lusty Trailers (GLT) in Carole Park to learn more about the diverse variety of manufacturing roles available in manufacturing businesses across the state.
The tour, led by CEO Shay Chalmers, is also an opportunity for the mentees to hear first-hand from a leading female in Queensland's manufacturing sector about her 20-year journey in the industry and how to build a rewarding career in manufacturing.
The Women in Manufacturing Mentoring Program was created to deliver leadership opportunities to women working in manufacturing and support those just starting out in the industry. The fresh perspectives provided by the program have also revealed the barriers facing young women thinking about a manufacturing career.
The Brisbane Broncos partnership with the Queensland Government encourages more women to investigate a career in advance manufacturing.
As stated by Minister for Manufacturing, Glenn Butcher:
"Strengthening the representation of women in manufacturing is a top priority for this Government and we will continue to provide opportunities for women to forge exciting careers in the manufacturing industry.
"This partnership with the Brisbane Broncos, builds upon initiatives in our Women in Manufacturing Strategy like our Leading Apprentice Awards and 'She Made It' Docuseries.
"This mentoring program has exceeded our expectations. The mentees have heard directly from industry about what it's like in today's manufacturing industry and received great encouragement on their own career goals.
"Our partnership with the Broncos is paying dividends, with the hot-pink Women in Manufacturing branding catching everyone's eye at Suncorp Stadium games – it's impossible to miss – and we know this is getting more women interested in a rewarding career in our manufacturing sector."
As stated by GLT CEO, Shay Chalmers:
"I firmly believe that one of the ways to address skills shortages in the manufacturing industry is to inspire more women to enter the manufacturing workforce.
"Women represent a vast, untapped talent pool and initiatives such as the Mentoring Program are important to guide and encourage more young women to pursue a career in manufacturing.
"I was so happy to open our factory for program participants to do a site tour and to see for themselves just how exciting a career in manufacturing really can be!"
As stated by Beyond the Broncos Ambassador, Ali Brigginshaw:
"This program aligns with our own Broncos values and it's great to welcome participants to Broncos HQ to celebrate this special milestone.
"We welcome the opportunity to help attract and retain more women into traditionally male-dominated roles.
"It's really important for young girls to know that in male-dominated jobs there are opportunities for them and they are now being provided those opportunities."
As stated by Broncos CEO, Dave Donaghy:
"Working with the Queensland Government on the Women in Manufacturing program aligns with our values as an organisation.
"We want to show young women in school that there are careers out there that perhaps they haven't thought of and that they can always go the road less travelled when it comes to life after school."
As stated by Mentor Kylie Warren, Elexon Electronics:
"Being part of this program has been a really rewarding experience and I've learned a lot about myself as my leadership skills have grown. I'm looking forward to watching Rachael's career unfold and our relationship will go beyond the end of this program, for sure.
"Seeing what this next generation is looking for in a career, in a role model and in a job – well, I've learned so much.
"I would encourage anyone who's been in their role for a few years to consider becoming a mentor. You learn as much as you share with your mentee and it is a lot of fun seeing your mentee grow and develop."
As stated by Mentee, Rachael Grant:
"I can't believe how much I've gained from this experience. Meeting regularly with a mentor who has spent some time getting to know me and understand what I want from my job and from my career has been amazing.
"When the Mentoring Program opens again, I would totally encourage others like me to consider it. The benefits are great, and also, you can tap into some great networks which is going to be helpful down the track when I consider my next role."
Further Information:
More on the Women in Manufacturing Strategy can be found on the DRDMW website.
