Queensland Manufacturing Minister Glenn Butcher has officially launched the Miles Government’s second annual Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards, with nominations now open for 2025.
The awards, which include the ‘Leading Apprentice Award’ and the ‘Highly Commended Apprentice Award,’ celebrate Queensland’s top female apprentices who exhibit strong leadership in the workplace.
Winners will be honoured at the International Women’s Day Women in Manufacturing Breakfast next year, the government said in a media statement.
“I’ve said it before – you can’t be what you can’t see. That is why promoting the incredible role women are playing in manufacturing is so important,” said Minister Butcher.
He continued, “These awards are an opportunity to show young women there are career opportunities in manufacturing.”
The Leading Apprentice Award winner will receive $10,000, while the runner-up will be awarded $5,000.
The prize money is intended to help winners with costs related to tools, uniforms, education, or career development courses.
“Young Queenslanders are kicking down the door for the high-paid hi-vis careers on offer in our Big Build, and these award winners are the best of the best,” said Minister for Training and Skills Development, Lance McCallum.
“We have a record number of apprentices in training, and thanks to funding from fairer coal royalties, Labor is offering Free Apprenticeships, Free TAFE, and Free Tools for First Years to get more young people into a good job.”
Last year, Rio Tinto apprentice Ainsley Downie was recognized as the Leading Apprentice of the Year for her team-oriented nature, leadership, and willingness to share knowledge.
“I was thrilled to win this award in its first year,” Downie shared.
“These awards promote the amazing work women are doing and show that there are so many career opportunities for us in manufacturing.”
The awards are part of the broader Women in Manufacturing Strategy, which aims to attract, train, and retain more women in the manufacturing sector, focusing on increasing participation in traditionally male-dominated roles.
“Manufacturing Skills Queensland is excited to support the Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards for a second year,” said Manufacturing Skills Queensland CEO Rebecca Andrews.
“These awards celebrate Queensland’s leading female apprentices who demonstrate strong leadership and teamwork capabilities—they’re crucial for inspiring future generations of women in the industry,” she remarked.
