The Allan Labor Government is continuing to support more women to enter and succeed in the male-dominated energy and manufacturing industries – with applications for a new round of grants to drive equality in the workplace, now open.

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins today announced a further $1.3 million is now available for organisations through the Women in Energy and Manufacturing Funding Program – which supports organisations to attract, recruit and retain women and remove barriers in these historically male-dominated workforces.

The first grants round supported a range of initiatives including mentoring programs for women run by the National Association of Women in Operations through virtual group and one-on-one sessions and school awareness campaigns for solar energy careers run by Australian Women in Solar Energy.

It also supported the Women in Trades project run by the Australian Manufacturing Union, which delivered a series of trade demonstration events, employer site visits and career expos with employers such as Nestle to attract young women to exciting careers and opportunities in the manufacturing sector.

Supporting more women to pursue and excel in careers in energy and manufacturing will not only help to address gender imbalances but help address skill shortages in these industries.

Women account for just 32 per cent of Victoria’s manufacturing sector, and 33 per cent of the electricity, gas, water and waste services industries. The figures are even lower for women working in trades.

This program is a key part of the Labor Government’s response to the Inquiry into Economic Equity for Victorian Women.

Applications for this grant round close on 20 February, visit vic.gov.au/women-energy-and-manufacturing-funding-program for more details.