RISE Futures ProgramBuild your skills. Mentor others.
For women apprentices and early career tradeswomen ready to build theirskills, confidence and connections.
Following the success of our 2025–26 pilot, RISE Futures is a 9-month mentoring and leadership program for women apprentices and early-career tradeswomen working in male-dominated trades.
See RISE Futures in action
Nominations are now open for 2026–27. Nominations close 31 August 2026.
RISE Futures is part of the Together We RISE program, delivered by the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN).
The program connects female apprentices and early career tradeswomen with experienced tradeswomen, industry leaders and peers from across Australia, creating opportunities to learn, connect and build their careers.
RISE Futures supports women throughout their apprenticeship journey and into the early stages of their careers.
Over nine months, participants take part in monthly Futures Workshops, mentoring, networking opportunities, industry engagement and leadership development.
The program is designed to build confidence, strengthen professional networks and develop practical skills that participants can carry throughout their careers.
Your RISE Futures journey starts here
What’s included in RISE Futures
Futures Workshops
Monthly online workshops designed to build skills, confidence and connections.
Participants come together to learn from experienced tradeswomen, explore practical topics and develop skills they can use throughout their careers.
MONTHLY | ONLINE | MANDATORY
Tradeswomen Summit
An in person national summit bringing women in trades together from across Australia.
Participants have the opportunity to connect, learn, share experiences and build relationships with other apprentices, tradeswomen and industry leaders.
IN PERSON | NATIONAL | OPTIONAL
1:1 Mentoring
Personalised mentoring with an experienced tradeswoman.
Participants can connect one on one with a mentor for guidance, support and practical insights as they navigate their apprenticeship and career.
ONLINE | OPTIONAL
Reverse Mentoring
A leadership development opportunity that puts emerging tradeswomen in the mentor’s seat.
Mentors in training connect with industry leaders, sharing their experiences and perspectives while building confidence, communication and leadership skills.
ONLINE | MANDATORY FOR MENTORS IN TRAINING
Voices from Site
Local, face to face events that bring the RISE community together.
Participants, mentors and industry come together to share experiences, strengthen connections and hear directly from women working across the trades.
QUARTERLY | IN PERSON | OPTIONAL
RISE Connect
Monthly online catch ups for the wider RISE community.
An informal space to stay connected, grow professional networks, share experiences and build relationships with women in trades across Australia.
MONTHLY | ONLINE | OPTIONAL
FAQs
Questions? We have the answers.
For Apprentices
Your Title Goes Here
What is RISE Futures?
RISE Futures is a 9-month mentoring and leadership development program for female apprentices and early-career tradeswomen working in male-dominated trades.
It brings women together to build confidence, strengthen professional networks and develop skills to support their careers in the trades.
How does it work?
The program runs from October 2026 to May 2027 and combines online and face-to-face opportunities.
Participants take part in monthly Futures Workshops, mentoring, networking, industry engagement and leadership development, with opportunities to connect with tradeswomen and peers from across Australia.
What will I be part of?
RISE Futures includes:
Futures Workshops – Monthly online workshops focused on skills, confidence and connection.
1:1 Mentoring – Personalised support from an experienced tradeswoman.
Reverse Mentoring – Opportunities for emerging tradeswomen to share their experiences and perspectives with industry leaders.
Voices from Site – Quarterly face-to-face events connecting the RISE community.
RISE Connect – Monthly online networking and connection.
Tradeswomen Summit – An in-person national gathering for eligible participants.
Who runs it?
RISE Futures is part of the Together We RISE project, delivered by the National Apprentice Employment Network (NAEN).
The program is supported by experienced tradeswomen, industry leaders and project partners from across Australia.
Which trades are included?
Do I need to pay?
There is no cost to participate in RISE Futures.
Some program activities are optional, while the monthly Futures Workshops are a core part of the program.
When can I join?
Nominations for the 2026–27 RISE Futures Program are now open and close on 31 August 2026.
Following nomination, the RISE team will contact nominees to discuss their pathway and confirm program places by 30 September 2026. The program begins in October 2026.
Why should I join?
RISE Futures gives you a community of women who understand the opportunities and challenges of building a career in the trades.
You’ll have opportunities to learn from experienced tradeswomen, build your professional network, develop confidence and leadership skills, and create connections that can support you throughout your career.
For GTOs
Your Title Goes Here
What is RISE Futures?
RISE Futures is a 9-month mentoring and leadership development program for female apprentices and early-career tradeswomen working in male-dominated trades.
Part of the Together We RISE project, the program combines mentoring, leadership development, networking and industry engagement to support women throughout their apprenticeship journey and into the early stages of their careers.
Who can my GTO nominate?
GTOs can nominate female-identifying apprentices aged 18+ who are employed by a GTO and working in a male-dominated trade.
Apprentices can be at any stage of their apprenticeship, including those approaching completion, and should be someone who would benefit from additional support, connection and professional development.
How do we nominate an apprentice?
GTOs can nominate suitable apprentices through the online nomination form.
Nominations close 31 August 2026.
Following nomination, the RISE team will contact the apprentice directly to discuss their pathway and participation in the program.
What’s included for our apprentices?
The program runs from October 2026 to May 2027 and includes monthly Futures Workshops, 1:1 mentoring, reverse mentoring opportunities, quarterly Voices from Site events, monthly RISE Connect networking and an in-person National Tradeswomen Summit for eligible participants.
The program provides opportunities to build confidence, professional networks, leadership capabilities and practical career skills.
What are the benefits for our GTO?
RISE Futures provides apprentices with access to role models, peer networks and industry insights that can strengthen their engagement, confidence and career progression.
It also gives GTOs an additional way to support the retention and development of women working in male-dominated trades.
What support will NAEN provide?
NAEN and the RISE Futures team will coordinate the program and support participants throughout their involvement.
This includes program delivery, mentoring and networking opportunities, industry engagement and ongoing connection with the broader RISE community.
What happens after we nominate?
Following nomination, Sammy Bowden or Saf Flatters will contact nominees to discuss their pathway and suitability for the program.
Program places will be confirmed by 30 September 2026, with the 2026–27 program commencing in October 2026.
How Our Pillars Work
Foundations & Framework
Led by WAVE - Women in Adult and Vocational Education
Connection & Community
Led by NAEN
Capability & Culture
Led by Kangan Institute and Australian Workers Union
The Impact
What the World Looks Like After RISE: A Stronger, Safer, Smarter
This is your journey. Your network. Your future.Let’s RISE together.
Start your RISE Futures journey
RISE Futures is your opportunity to connect, learn and grow alongside women apprentices and experienced tradeswomen from across Australia.
Ready to take the next step? Speak with your GTO about being nominated for RISE Futures.