The manufacturing industry faces critical shortages of skilled workers, particularly in welding and CNC machining. These shortages are forecast to increase over the next five years, with Weld Australia estimating a shortfall of 70,000 welders by 2030, leading many companies to recruit CNC operators from overseas.

Despite growing demand, women remain underrepresented in manufacturing, accounting for 1% of First Class Welders and 10% of CNC operators in Australia. While many manufacturing companies seek to increase female participation, awareness of manufacturing career pathways among women remains low.

Women Who Weld and Code introduces female students to manufacturing pathways through hands-on learning and industry-aligned activities, delivered in partnership with the Queensland Government Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development.