Not-for-profit UNIQ You is thrilled to announce Boeing Australia as its next foundational partner, a move that is sure to provide a much-needed boost to the pipeline of female talent into the aerospace and defence manufacturing sector.
Advanced manufacturing in the aerospace, defence and space industry is a major source of innovation. With inclusion firmly rooted in its DNA, Boeing Australia regards diversity as an enabling factor for solving some of the world’s most complex problems. However according to data from the Australian Manufacturing Form, while the manufacturing industry currently employs over 900,000 people, only 1 in 4 are women.
Boeing’s director of Phantom Works International, Emily Hughes, highlights the power of role modelling as critical to attracting a diverse pipeline of talent: “Fostering an inclusive workplace includes providing young women with visibility of career paths they may never have considered. ‘If you can’t see it, you can’t be it’ is a powerful message, and joining UNIQ You will enable Boeing Australia to highlight our incredible female employees to school-aged girls who may not have considered our industry,” said Hughes.
“Our first ever Global Equity, Diversity & Inclusion report in 2021 identified improving representation in the STEM pipeline as a key approach to increasing our diverse talent pool. Working with UNIQ You to reach directly into schools and connect with students to understand what motivates and inspires them and what they are looking for in a career will support us in this goal,” added Hughes.
In just Queensland alone, manufacturing contributes around $20 billion each year to the economy. Increasing the representation of women in the one of the most dynamic and essential sectors is an opportunity to significantly increase economic gains.
Tanya Meessmann, CEO of UNIQ YOU, says: “Boeing’s work culture really fosters an environment where everyone feels valued and encouraged to be themselves in the workplace. UNIQ You is excited to foster this same sense of belonging among high school girls, by featuring Boeing women on our ground-breaking platform.”
Connecting the women of now with the women of the future is the key to new heights for Boeing Australia, and the manufacturing industry more broadly. By prioritising diversity and inclusion, Boeing and UNIQ You will focus on building girls’ confidence to aim high when making important career decisions.
ABOUT BOEING
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity. Learn more at www.boeing.com.