Victoria’s $1.3M in grants boost women in energy and manufacturing

Minister for Women Natalie Hutchins announced that ten organisations in Victoria will receive funding through the Women in Energy and Manufacturing program.

The $1.3 million in grants will support initiatives designed to overcome barriers to women’s advancement and address labour shortages amid Victoria’s renewable energy transition.

“Supporting women to enter, stay and progress in energy and manufacturing careers is a win, win situation for women and Victoria’s industry employers,” said Minister Hutchins.

According to the government, the grants address challenges such as inflexible working arrangements, lack of paid parental leave, gender discrimination, sexism, and sexual harassment, which have historically hindered women’s participation in these industries.

Among the beneficiaries, the National Electrical and Communications Association’s education and careers arm will receive $200,000.

This grant aims to provide gender equality training for educators and bolster leadership pathways for women apprentices.

“These grants support better economic outcomes for women, help organisations address skills shortages in some of Victoria’s strongest growth sectors and contribute to driving greater gender equality across the state,” Hutchins added.

Women’s Health in the South East has been allocated $150,000 to run the ‘Nice Work If You Can Get It campaign in collaboration with Chisholm TAFE.

This initiative focuses on enhancing the capacity of educators and industry teams to improve employment outcomes for women.

The Australian Workers’ Union will receive $191,400 to develop training for manufacturing and energy employers.

The project will pilot culture change initiatives in partner workplaces and support more women transitioning into trade and technical roles.

This round of grants is part of a broader $2.7 million investment to boost women’s participation and equity in manufacturing and energy.

This initiative forms a crucial element of the Labor Government’s response to the Inquiry into Economic Equity for Victorian Women.