First and second-year female automotive apprentices across Queensland now have the chance to access personalised, one-on-one mentoring and support. The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTA Queensland) has launched the Women in Automotive Apprenticeships Mentoring Program.
This program, supported and funded by the Queensland Government through the Women in Trades mentoring Program, involves a partnership between MTA Queensland and BUSY Sisters. Together, they will provide targeted mentoring services and resources to female apprentices through a dedicated team of experienced mentors.
Given the underrepresentation of female apprentices in the automotive industry, the program aims to attract and retain more women by helping them build confidence, overcome day-to-day work challenges, and offering a supportive outlet for questions and guidance.
Additionally, businesses will receive assistance, including resources, information, and guides to help them create a positive workplace culture that promotes inclusivity and diversity, supporting female apprentices to thrive.
MTA Queensland CEO Rod Camm stated, “MTA Queensland is committed to improving the diversity of our industry’s workforce. At a time of ongoing skill and labor shortages, we are working with businesses to look beyond traditional recruiting methods and embrace a diverse workforce, which includes encouraging female representation and the added value that comes with that.
“There are approximately 9,500 automotive apprentices active in Queensland, and only eight percent of those are female. There is much more we need to do as an industry to support inclusive pathways for women entering the workforce, who often face challenges adapting to traditionally male-dominated spaces and experience higher rates of apprenticeship incompletion as a result. We are excited to connect with female apprentices across our industry one-on-one and deliver the support they need to thrive.”
To learn more about the Women in Automotive Apprenticeships Mentoring Program, or to connect with a mentor, visit MTA Queensland's website.