An immersive program for Year 9 and 10 students offering site visits, leadership training, and access to industry role models to inspire STEM careers. This program is supported by Skilling the Bay and the Victorian Government.
Pathways & Entry Programs
Girls Leading Advanced Manufacturing
Organisation Overview
The Geelong Manufacturing Council (GMC) is a major industry body representing manufacturers of all sizes across the Geelong region and beyond, who collectively employ over 150,000 people. Founded to foster a vibrant and sustainable sector, the Council provides advocacy, tailored training, and opportunities for connection and knowledge sharing. By collaborating with industry partners, government, and educational institutions, GMC actively works to stimulate innovation, attract investment, and grow the skills and capabilities necessary for the future of manufacturing.
How This Program Supports Women in Manufacturing
The Geelong Manufacturing Council is actively shaping the future workforce through its “Girls Leading Advanced Manufacturing” (GLAM) initiative. Targeted at students in Years 9 and 10, this immersion program is designed to open eyes to the diverse career possibilities within advanced technology, design, and engineering. By engaging girls at this critical stage of their education, GLAM aims to dispel outdated myths about the sector and encourage participants to select the STEM subjects necessary for future professional pathways and trades.
The program offers a robust curriculum that moves beyond the classroom and into the real world. Participants engage in site visits to leading local manufacturers, attend job readiness and leadership workshops, and interact directly with industry role models, including scientists, engineers, and CEOs. This direct exposure allows students to see the practical application of their studies and envision themselves in similar roles. The initiative also actively involves teachers, ensuring that career advisors are equipped with up-to-date industry knowledge to support their students.
A key component of the program is its holistic approach to community engagement, particularly through its graduation events. These ceremonies serve as a platform to educate parents and families, with manufacturing leaders presenting on career trajectories and industry statistics. This ensures that the students’ support networks are equally informed about the stability and potential of modern manufacturing jobs. The program’s success is evident, with over 85% of participants going on to undertake STEM-related subjects in their final years of schooling.
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