Women in Automotive (WinA), a special interest group of the Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce, is proud to support Women & Leadership Australia (WLA), as a sponsor of their ‘Elevate Initiative’ – a program designed for women working in the automotive industry.
WinA has been a driving force behind this industry-specific training, which will provide women working across the sector access to 16 fully-funded career-advancing scholarships.
The ‘Elevate Initiative’ comprises of two leadership development programs, designed and run exclusively for emerging and mid-level female leaders within the automotive industry. The initiative reflects a strong commitment throughout the automotive industry to increasing the representation of women in formal leadership positions and improving gender equality in the workplace. Successful applicants will form exclusive, industry-specific groups of professional women, creating a first of its kind networking opportunity for those participating.
“After many months spent working behind the scenes with Women & Leadership, WinA is thrilled to see the scholarships available and application process finally open,” said WinA manager, Dr Imogen Reid.
“Women currently represent approximately 20 percent of the automotive workforce, a figure largely unchanged for the last 20 years, with over-representation in administration and sales-related roles. The Elevate Initiative program will work to develop aspiring women to reach the next level of their career by providing the necessary networks and leadership skills to move into more senior positions.
“This program signals not only a commitment to the development of female talent but provides a pipeline of eligible women, capable of filling senior-level roles across the industry,” Reid continued.
WLA representative, Betti Tovishazy welcomed WinA’s support, maintaining that “with shifting consumer preferences and ever-evolving technology, the automotive industry must adapt by becoming more diverse and better embracing the female workforce in order to reach its full potential.
“The Elevate Initiative is an exciting platform, helping to create a more equitable automotive industry. Our programs increase career opportunities for women within male-dominated industries by teaching invaluable leadership skills and improving networking opportunities.”
Women working in the automotive industry can apply to the scholarship supported places from 7 October 2019, with the programs scheduled to begin in 2020.
ENDS
Visit the Women in Automotive website to learn more.