Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) Australia has become a founding member of the Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) Alliance.
A not-for-profit organisation, EWIT aims to increase women’s participation in skilled trades from three per cent to 30 per cent by 2030, through empowering women with the knowledge and skills to join the Australian manufacturing, construction, and renewable energy industries.
Hacia Atherton, Founder and CEO of EWIT, said they are delighted that CCEP, one of Australia’s leading consumer goods companies and a significant contributor to the country’s manufacturing sector, has joined the EWIT Alliance as a founding member.
“CCEP join a select group of organisations demonstrating their support of a more diverse and inclusive skilled trade workplace, while helping to address the skills shortages that have plagued the manufacturing, construction and renewable energy industries.”
Linda Leo, Vice President Customer Service and Supply Chain, CCEP Australia, said becoming a founding member of the EWIT Alliance builds on their existing relationship with EWIT, whose targets closely align with their own goals.
“CCEP has a focus on continuing to improve our overall gender composition, particularly in male dominated professions within our business; and to support improved gender composition across the manufacturing sector more broadly.”
Bolor Erdenekhuu, a CCEP Quality Assurance team member, says she is a tangible example of how programs like EWIT can effectively support women entering skilled trades, particularly in male dominated industries like manufacturing.
“EWIT not only provide technical skills but also build confidence and open pathways for women in industries where they are traditionally underrepresented.
“My transition from the production line to a key role within CCEP’s Quality Assurance team demonstrates that women, when given the right tools and support, can thrive in skilled trades and contribute significantly to business operations. Programs like EWIT not only benefit individual participants but help businesses address skills shortages and improve workforce diversity.”
To stay up to date on the latest industry headlines, sign up to the C&I e-newsletter.