Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards announced

• Zahlee Wheeler and Laila Stevens recognised for 2026 Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards 
• Nominations open for 2026 Women in Manufacturing Leadership Program 
• Increasing female participation a key action in the Crisafulli Government's Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy 2025-30
• The Crisafulli Government is delivering a plan for Queensland’s future after a decade of decline under Labor. 

The outstanding achievements of Queensland’s manufacturing trailblazers have been recognised this morning at the Women in Manufacturing International Women’s Day Breakfast, with the announcement of the 2026 Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Award winners. 

The Crisafulli Government is committed to increasing female representation and building a stronger manufacturing industry in Queensland, after Labor created a skills shortage during their decade of decline.  

The Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba Manufacturing Hubs have been delivered as part of a key election commitment and are resourced to support businesses grow capability and support local manufacturing jobs.  

The annual Women in Manufacturing Apprentice Awards recognise exceptional female apprentices across Queensland’s manufacturing workforce and shine a spotlight on the next generation of industry leaders. 

Second year automotive electrician Zahlee Wheeler from Allweld Manufacturing received the Leading Apprentice Award for her leadership and positive role modelling by encouraging girls to take up a trade.  

Laila Stevens from Eckersley Print Group was recognised with the Highly Commended Apprentice Award for her mentorship of her fellow apprentices and advocacy for women in manufacturing.  

Ms Wheeler and Ms Stevens will receive $10,000 and $5,000 respectively, to fund education, career development, or tools and uniforms related to their trades.  

The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy with applications now open for the 2026 Women in Manufacturing Leadership Program encouraging more women to pursue a career in manufacturing.  

Minister for Manufacturing Dale Last said the initiatives form part of the Crisafulli Government’s Transforming Queensland Manufacturing Strategy 2025-30 with a deliberate focus on the attraction and retention of women in the industry.  

“Women make up 27 per cent of the manufacturing workforce today and the Crisafulli Government is committed to creating more opportunities for women,” Minister Last said.  

“There is no better way to spend International Women’s Day than recognising the female apprentices that are forging their own path and the bright futures ahead of them.  

“The Women in Manufacturing Leadership Program supports women in their journey from factory floor to boardroom with one-on-one mentoring and professional development.”  

Apply for the Women in Manufacturing Leadership Program here:  https://www.nrmmrrd.qld.gov.au/manufacturing/women-in-manufacturing/leadership-program