New Endeavours – more women are entering manufacturing lured by the challenge and range of opportunities the industry offers. Katherine Crichton writes.
IN an industry which can be described as unforgiving as times, strong leadership skills and a determination to succeed are vital characteristics of anyone who wishes to have a long and fulfilling career in manufacturing.
Traditionally seen as a male dominated industry, an increasing number of women are participating in the workforce – and are flourishing.
Heidi Edmiston is a shining example of the new wave of young women in manufacturing achieving success in the industry.
A deserving recipient of the 2008 Endeavour Award’s Young Manufacturer of the Year, Heidi’s passion and efforts in manufacturing have also been acknowledged with her election to AME national vice president in 2004, the Young Industry Ambassador 2004 and the Victorian Young Manufacturer of the Year 2005.
Edmiston told Manufacturers’ Monthly, after finishing a Degree in Applied Science and Environmental Health, she applied for a graduate opportunity with Arnott’s Biscuits and has never looked back.
“From day one I loved it,” Edmiston explained. “When I initially came out of the graduate program, I was able to utilise my specialty in medical health by working in Quality Assurance – ensuring food premises and facilities were complying with food manufacturing standards,” she said.
Currently employed at Kraft as site manager of the company’s Suttontown site, Edmiston joined the food manufacturer in 2003 as a continuous improvement coach.
While in this role, she oversaw the introduction of a number of lean manufacturing tools and philosophies to the site and the wider Kraft community and was promoted to her current role in 2007.
Despite common perceptions, a large proportion of Edmiston’s site leadership team is female, making up around 40 per cent of the workforce.
While Edmiston concedes this is probably higher than in other teams, women are increasingly being represented in all facets of manufacturing, which she attributes to a change in the way women are viewing the industry.
“I think the main reason it has taken a while for women to get into manufacturing is because of the common perception that it is a very male dominated industry and perhaps being female could be an obstacle,” she said.
“Perhaps this was valid in the past, but I have never found it to be an issue. Career success is based more on skills, enthusiasm and outcomes. I think as long as you do a great job and you can have a laugh at yourself there are no significant barriers.”
With the number of female graduates in engineering and science-related degrees increasing each year, Edmiston says those considering a career in manufacturing should ‘go for it’ as they will find it very rewarding.
“It really is a great industry with many opportunities and though at times it can be tough, I have worked with some of the most supportive mentors who have me offered guidance and direction which was really a shortcut to my success.”
“Regardless of your work experience or qualifications, there is a job for you in manufacturing somewhere. If you love people diversity and something different every day it is a great industry to consider,” Edmiston said.
2009 Awards program now open
Don’t miss the opportunity for your company to join the steady stream of nominations flowing in from manufacturers around Australia.
Now in its sixth year, the Endeavour Award’s program includes nine key categories:
- Technology Application of the Year Award – for successful applications of new technology in manufacturing;
- Environmental Solution of the Year Award – for successful implementations of solutions to reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing operations;
- Safety Scheme of the Year Award – for successful implementation of schemes to improve safety in manufacturing plants;
- Exporter of the Year Award – for successfully entering or developing an export market with a new or existing locally made product;
- Australian Consumer Product of the Year Award – for new consumer products;
- Australian Industrial Product of the Year Award – for new industrial products;
- Young Manufacturer of the Year Award – for the rising stars of Australia’s next generation of manufacturers;
- Global Integration Award – for companies who have engaged in global supply chains and a new category for 2008 and;
- The Australian Steel Innovation Award – for creative new products or projects using Australian-made steel to deliver value and competitive advantages for users.
There will be winner and highly commended awards for each category, plus an overall Manufacturer of the Year award.
To download an application form or to read the latest Award news, visit the Endeavour Award’s homepage at www.manmonthly.com.au/Awards.aspx
For more information about the Awards, call Katherine Crichton on 02 9422 2964 or email: katherine.crichton@reedbusiness.com.au