To celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, CCN talks to three women of steel.
At BlueScope – Australia’s largest steel company – more than half of its senior executive positions, and 24 per cent of all its employees, are women.
In February, Tania Archibald became the managing director and chief executive officer of Australia’s leading steel company BlueScope – the first woman in the role.
“BlueScope’s policies underpin the company’s commitment and continued effort to create safe, healthy, respectful and inclusive workplaces, where everyone feels valued, has a sense of belonging and can operate at their best,” she said.
“Accelerating the representation of women across all levels of our business remains a top priority and it is one of the core elements of our Inclusion and Diversity Strategy.”
Representation of women in BlueScope has steadily increased from 13.5 per cent in 2017 to 24 per cent in 2023.
In its operational sites, one in five operator roles are now held by women, a remarkable shift from just over three per cent in 2017.
Since starting her apprenticeship as a boilermaker with Hanlon Industries in 2023, Iesha Swan has consistently topped her class at trade school.
Iesha’s exemplary performance culminated in 2024 with her winning Weld Australia’s Young Trades Person of the Year Award for Victoria and Tasmania.
Iesha said she was inspired to choose a career in welding by her love of creative challenges.
“Welding isn’t just about being dirty or needing brute strength. Women bring creativity, attention to detail, and patience—we can problem solve like a boss,”
Her job involves reading technical drawings, setting up materials and making sure every weld is strong and precise. Iesha picked up welding helping her dad – a diesel mechanic – at his work on weekends and holidays.
“There is something so motivating about building something that is real and lasting”. Some days I’m welding straight lines, some days I’m problem solving a tricky fit up and other days I’m learning new techniques.”
Iesha said the biggest challenge is attracting young people and women in particular to welding.
“Technology has opened a host of new opportunities. Automation and advanced welding techniques are making fabrication more efficient and precise,” she said.
Iesha said a push to sustainability in the field and manufacturing in general has opened new doors for working with materials and reducing waste – and making it a more attractive career path for young people.”
As chief executive officer of metal fabricator Bowhill Engineering, Jodie Hawkes is part of a new generation of leaders shaping an industry traditionally dominated by men.
Chair of Regional Development Australia – Murraylands and Riverland, South Australian-based Jodie is passionate about providing big-picture solutions to local challenges and creating meaningful career pathways in regional Australia, particularly encouraging the next generation to step into industries they may not have previously considered.
At a business level, Jodie is committed to advancing metal fabricator Bowhill Engineering’s strategic objectives while nurturing a culture of accountability and innovation.
Having joined the company in 2002, her deep-rooted history with the business has seen her drive profitable outcomes and sustainable growth.
The organisation has flourished under her guidance, transitioning from strong financial stewardship during her tenure as CFO to visionary leadership as CEO.
A 2025–2026 expansion marked a major step forward for the company, with Bowhill Engineering investing in $10m+ new facilities and advanced automation to support larger, more complex projects while creating long-term skilled jobs in the Murraylands.
This investment introduced three 7-axis robotic welders and a 5-axis CNC machining centre purpose-built for high-precision fabrication of large infrastructure-scale steel components, increasing capability and throughput by 30 per cent.
A new 100-tonne crane further strengthens the company’s ability to safely manufacture and handle the heavy bridge and structural assemblies it is known for.
Despite increased automation, the company continues to grow its team from 60 to 75 staff, with a strong focus on training apprentices and maintaining its people-first culture. This commitment was recognised nationally when Bowhill Engineering was awarded the 2025 Australian Training Awards National Small Employer of the Year.
“I never planned to become a CEO or even imagined I’d build a career in steel,” Jodie said.
“I simply stayed curious, said yes to opportunities, and focused on doing work that mattered. I’ve found my place in an industry I genuinely love.”
Outside of work, Jodie is a mother of four who enjoys exploring new destinations and actively supporting her local community.
As the steel industry’s peak body, the Australian Steel Institute (ASI), half its employees are women.
ASI chief executive Mark Cain said there are some notable women in the industry who are driving change across the steel supply chain showing their resilience and leadership.
“As an industry body we are building an image that embraces women at its heart. Our leadership pipeline supports women in more senior roles,” Cain said.
“Supporting women to grow and lead is vital for steel’s future.”
- with the Australian Steel Institute