Women in Engineering

Applications open 7 April 2026. 

Delivered in partnership with Chevron Australia, the Women in Engineering program is designed to support women in taking the first step into the oil, gas, and resource industry. The program provides valuable foundational skills in the field, along with the confidence and industry exposure needed to possibly pursue a new career in the oil and gas and resources industry or to progress into a pathway of higher-level qualifications in the field. 

Students will benefit from a supportive, applied learning environment, alongside other women and access to experienced trainers and female role models within the industry. 

There are 14 funded scholarship places available. The program includes completion of the following qualifications:  MSM30116 Certificate III in Process Manufacturing and PMA20116 Certificate II in Process Plant Operations. 

This is a full-time program delivered over 20 weeks at our Munster campus, with classes held Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 3:30pm. Chevron sponsor the program and cover the costs of both qualifications, the required PPE and any class resources required. 

Please note that this is an unpaid training program. While graduates may progress into employment in the oil and gas industry on their own accord or move on to further study, completion of the program does not guarantee a job outcome. 

After the program, graduates often start apprenticeships or traineeships in the industry (process plant operator, electrical, mechanical) or go on to further study in the oil & gas and resources field.  The outcomes are strong, and many have been employed by companies such as Chevron, BHP, Alcoa, Woodside, Rio Tinto, CSBP and Tronox.

Course aims

• Foster an understanding of career opportunities in the oil and gas, mining or chemical processing industries
• Develop technical and practical skills
• Learn foundation engineering design principals, technology and practices
• Assist students with a pathway to employment or higher level qualifications

Entry requirements

Applicants are required to be female, an Australian resident or eligible to study in Australia, and have not previously completed these qualifications. Candidates must have basic English and maths skills equivalent to completion of Year 10, but they may also be achieved through previous work or informal learning experiences. 

The course has been designed to meet the needs of women who are returning to work, seeking a career change, recently completed high school or as an alternative pathway to university. The learning environment is structured to provide a high level of support for students returning to formal education.

Industry engagement

A key focus of the course is to provide participants with an insight into oil and gas operations from a female perspective and to address barriers that may discourage women from entering the industry.  As part of the course students will visit workplaces, have access to industry representatives and participate in valuable presentations.

1. Applications open Tuesday, 7 April 2026. 

2. Applications must be submitted by Sunday, 26 April 2026. To apply, submit the form and email your supporting documents to wie@smtafe.wa.edu.au 

3. Once applications close, a panel will shortlist the applicants, and the shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview. The panel will consist of SM TAFE and Chevron Australia representatives.

More information

Please email WIE@smtafe.wa.edu.au should you have any questions about the program.