Empowering Women in Trades (EWIT) has announced the return of its annual awards Gala for 2026, with the industry event set to recognise outstanding individuals, businesses and initiatives driving change across Australia’s trades sector.
Scheduled for 10 October at The Timber Yard in Port Melbourne, the 2026 EWIT Gala will bring together apprentices, tradies, educators, employers and industry leaders for a night celebrating excellence and inclusion in the trades.
SEE MORE: Tradie Tough Tests
The announcement also marks the opening of nominations for the 2026 EWIT Awards, with 11 categories recognising achievements across leadership, mentoring, diversity and inclusion, education and apprenticeship development.
Award categories include Tradie Lady of the Year, Apprentice of the Year, Tradie Trailblazer, Exceptional Educator, The Johnny Award for mentoring, Tradie Lady of Influence, as well as individual and organisational awards recognising diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) leadership and innovation.
EWIT is encouraging industry members to nominate colleagues, mentors, apprentices, employers and businesses making a positive impact within the trade community.
The gala has become one of Australia’s leading celebrations of diversity and inclusion within the skilled trades, highlighting those helping create more welcoming workplaces while supporting the next generation of apprentices and tradespeople.
Last year’s event attracted almost 400 attendees, with organisers expecting an even larger turnout in 2026 as interest in the awards continues to grow.
Award nominations are now open, with multiple nominations permitted across all categories. Winners will be announced during the gala dinner in October.
Awards 2026:
- Tradie Lady of the Year – leads by example and breaks barriers
- Tradie Trailblazer – motivating others to pursue trades
- Exceptional Educator – creating pathways into the industry
- Industry Leader in DE&I (Individual) – embedding inclusion from the top
- Industry Leader in DE&I (Organisation) – a company doing the real work
- Cultural Change Maker – challenging “how it’s always been done”
- Most Innovative DE&I Program – real, measurable change
- Ally Award (LGBTQI+ Impact) – making space for everyone to belong
- The Johnny Award – honouring mentorship that changes lives
- Apprentice of the Year – the rising star going far
- Tradie Lady of Influence – amplifying the industry through their platform
