BRISBANE, Queensland, Aug. 28 -- The Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet issued text of the following statement:

Minister for Natural Resources and Mines, Minister for Manufacturing and Minister for Regional and Rural Development

The Honourable Dale Last

* Nominations now open for the Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards 2027. * Two award categories with a $15 000 prize pool to recognise outstanding female apprentices in Queensland's manufacturing sector. * The Crisafulli Government is delivering more jobs and better services through a stronger economy by reviving our manufacturing sector after a decade of decline under Labor.

The Crisafulli Government is calling for nominations to recognise Queensland's outstanding women who are working as manufacturing apprentices, as part of the plan to deliver on the commitment to build the skilled workforce needed to drive the State's manufacturing future.

Nominations are now open for the Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards 2027, which celebrate women apprentices demonstrating leadership, initiative and communication excellence across Queensland's manufacturing sector.

Two awards are on offer, with the Leading Apprentice Award winner to receive $10,000 and the Highly Commended Apprentice Award recipient to receive $5 000 to support their professional development, training, education, tools or uniforms.

Nominations are open until 9 October 2026, with winners to be announced in March 2027 at the Brisbane Women in Manufacturing Breakfast to coincide with International Women's Day. 

The Crisafulli Government is reviving Queensland's manufacturing industry and delivering more jobs and better services through a stronger economy, after a decade of decline under Labor.

Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the awards highlighted the vital role women are playing in strengthening Queensland's manufacturing workforce.

"The future of Queensland manufacturing is being built by apprentices today," Minister Last said.

"Through our Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy, we're growing the skilled workforce Queensland manufacturers need to innovate, compete and create jobs.

"These awards recognise the talented women already building careers in manufacturing and show the next generation that there is a place for them in Queensland's manufacturing future.

"Whether it's advanced manufacturing, robotics or critical minerals processing, we want more women seizing the opportunities being created as Queensland manufacturing grows.

"If you know an outstanding apprentice, nominate her. Her success story could inspire the next generation of Queensland manufacturers."

Recipient of the 2026 Women in Manufacturing Leading Apprentice Award, Second year automotive electrician Zahlee Wheeler from Allweld Manufacturing, said winning the award was an incredibly proud moment.

"I am very passionate about lifting up other female apprentices in the manufacturing industry - there are so many opportunities for women to build rewarding careers, take on leadership roles and make a real impact in this industry," Ms Wheeler said. 

"Doing my apprenticeship has shaped who I am, and it was an honour to receive the Leading Apprentice Award for the work I have done to encourage other young women to take up a trade.

"If you're thinking of applying - I'd say back yourself, embrace the opportunity and be proud of what you have achieved."

For more information, visit: https://www.nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au/manufacturing/women-in-manufacturing/apprentice-awards

Queensland Manufacturing Month kicks off next Tuesday on 1 September 2026.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Tom Daunt, 0487 151 453

Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.