Women in Manufacturing Stepping Up Program 2008

The Women in Manufacturing Stepping Up Program will be offered again during 2008, following the success of the pilot program last year.

Facilitated by apics NSW and subsidised by the NSW Department of State and Regional Development (DSRD), the program includes owners and managers of manufacturing businesses, as well as employees in manufacturing and production roles.

“This mix will be encouraged again for 2008, as it allows for a good cross-pollination of ideas and the establishment of wider networks that can be really beneficial to women as they develop their careers within the industry,” said Garry Ferris, business development manager with the DSRD.

The program matches participants with more experienced, supply chain or manufacturing practitioners to mentor them. The mentor program was trialled in 2007, with participants confirming that having someone to talk to about issues they are struggling with was very helpful — giving them the confidence to implement changes and make improvements.

The formal part of the program allows participants to attend seven instruction sessions led by experts, designed to provide practical learning opportunities.

“Our aim is to provide real, practical learning opportunities for these women, to enhance their skills and ensure that they have a good general understanding of modern manufacturing and supply chain operations,” said Deborah Rose, the program facilitator for 2008.

“By facilitating programs like this we can build a more competitive, sustainable manufacturing sector in NSW.”