The growing push for more women to join the automotive industry is being backed by a program supporting young female apprentices in the industry.
MTA Queensland is excited to expand its Women in Trades Apprenticeship Mentoring Program to support all female automotive apprentices across the state. With only eight per cent of automotive apprentices in Queensland being female, this program aims to help recruit and retain women in the industry by offering tailored one-on-one mentoring and guidance.
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Launched in 2024 in partnership with BUSY Sisters and funded by the Queensland Government, the program initially supported first- and second-year female apprentices. Since its launch, it has received an incredible number of responses from apprentices accessing valuable support, mentorship, and career advice.
With women still significantly underrepresented in the automotive industry, the program’s expansion aims to create a more inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for all female apprentices, including those still in school.
MTA Queensland encourages every female apprentice to take full advantage of this opportunity to connect with a mentor who can help build confidence, overcome challenges, and provide expert guidance as they advance in their careers.
Project Manager Michelle King highlighted how the program has allowed apprentices to thrive.
“By expanding it to include all female apprentices, we’re ensuring that even more women will have access to the resources, guidance, and mentorship they need to build successful careers in the automotive industry,” King says.
“The success we’ve seen so far is just the beginning, and we’re incredibly excited to continue offering this vital support to more women in trades.”
MTA Queensland CEO Rod Camm outlined the much needed growth in the number of female apprentices.
“Much more needs to be done to create an inclusive and supportive environment for women in a field that has long been male dominated,” Camm says.
“This program provides essential support to overcome gender-based challenges and help steer the industry towards a more diverse and equitable future.”
The program additionally provides assistance for business owners and employers, including resources, information and guides to aid them in creating a workplace culture that promotes inclusion, diversity and equality.
To learn more about the Women in Trades Apprenticeship Mentoring Program, or enquire about connecting with a mentor, visit here.