The Nice Work if You Can Get It project is gaining momentum as we continue to build a gender-equitable manufacturing industry in Southern Melbourne. A collaborative initiative between Women’s Health in the South East (WHISE), Chisholm TAFE, and the South East Melbourne Manufacturers Alliance (SEMMA), the project is recognised as a key action under the Victorian Government’s Women in Manufacturing strategy.

Project progress and key developments

Since the project’s launch, we have been engaging with key stakeholders across the manufacturing, education, and gender equity sectors to develop sustainable pathways for women into the industry. Our work is focused on tackling gendered barriers to entry, fostering inclusive workplaces, and supporting career progression for women in manufacturing.

Key highlights:

• Industry engagement: We have conducted a series of roundtables with local manufacturers to better understand workforce needs and the structural changes required to create more inclusive workplaces. In 2024, the project held a forum with SEMMA focused on diversity in manufacturing workplaces. Additionally, on 26 February, at Hilton Manufacturing, we will be holding another forum on Flexible Working in manufacturing. Registrations are now open, and you can sign up here: SEMMA Partner Workshop.
• Skills and training pathways: WHISE has worked with Chisholm TAFE to undertake and apply a Gender Impact Assessment to increase the retention of women in the manufacturing qualification pipeline, identifying strategies for embedding gender-responsive approaches into vocational education and training (VET) pathways. To support this the project has also held focus groups with women in manufacturing courses at the TAFE to lean of their experience and views.
• Policy and advocacy: Our project has been actively engaging with government and industry bodies to ensure gender equity remains a core focus of workforce planning and policy development.
• Workforce development: The project is exploring new initiatives to support retention and career advancement for women already in the manufacturing sector, including mentoring programs and leadership training. Additionally, WHISE will be developing and delivering professional development to the Chisholm TAFE Manufacturing team on key topics emerging from the Gender Impact Assessment process.

Next Steps

As we move forward, the next phase of the project will focus on:

• Developing gender-responsive training resources: Working with TAFE educators and industry leaders to integrate gender equity into course materials and training programs.
• Undertaking an evaluation: WHISE will be conducting an evaluation of the project to assess its impact and inform future initiatives, as well as sharing outcomes and lessons learned broadly with the Vocational Education sector.
• Sharing GIA outcomes: The next steps will involve sharing the outcomes of the Gender Impact Assessment process with partners to ensure continued improvements in gender equity within the manufacturing sector.

We are committed to making meaningful, lasting change in the manufacturing industry and ensuring that women have equal opportunities for rewarding, sustainable careers.

For more information or to get involved, please reach out to WHISE or visit our website: Nice Work if You Can Get It.