Earlier in her career, Carly McPhee often found herself as one of the few women on manufacturing floors and rail sites, navigating environments where even safety gear wasn’t designed with women in mind.
Her path through manufacturing, logistics, and regulatory spaces came with its share of challenges. She remembers times when questions meant for her were redirected to male colleagues— a subtle but telling sign of lingering biases. But rather than letting those moments define her, Carly leaned into collaboration. She invited others into problem-solving and built strong working relationships. Over time, this approach helped shift perceptions and foster mutual respect.
That experience wasn’t uncommon for women in historically male-dominated industries like manufacturing and mining. But things are changing, and Carly is living proof.
Today, she works as a senior process safety expert at Alcoa, where she supports complex operations across the country. Her role combines deep technical knowledge with practical collaboration, reflecting a broader shift in how these industries are evolving—becoming more inclusive, flexible, and supportive of diverse talent.
A dynamic role with real impact
As Regional Senior Operational and Process Safety Consultant, Carly’s work spans everything from pipeline integrity and dangerous goods management to rail operations and system reviews. She helps teams understand risk, improve processes, and keep people safe.
“No two days are the same,” she says. “I particularly value the opportunity to educate others on rail and process safety—it’s incredibly rewarding to share knowledge that can make a real difference.”
The technical scope of her work is broad, but it’s the people who make it meaningful. At Alcoa, Carly works with teams and contractors who bring deep expertise and a willingness to collaborate. It’s an environment where new ideas are welcome and continuous improvement is the goal.
A shift women need to see
While challenges still exist across the broader industry, Carly has seen clear and encouraging progress.
What used to make her stand out is now a sign of progress. She’s no longer the only woman in the room—now she’s surrounded by others who are bringing fresh ideas and helping shape the way the industry operates. And where once the gear she wore felt like an afterthought, today she’s equipped with PPE and tools that truly support her work.
“It’s not just about having more women around,” she says. “It’s about how that changes the way we work. Different perspectives help us solve complex problems more effectively, especially when it comes to safety.”
Carly believes these changes are worth highlighting—especially for women who might assume they wouldn’t belong in manufacturing or mining.
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The right fit professionally and personally
When Carly joined Alcoa in early 2024, it was on a part-time basis that allowed her to balance work and parenting. Thanks to the company’s local operations near Perth, she’s able to take on a meaningful, technical role, attend sites, and still make it home to her family each night.
“The flexibility I’ve experienced at Alcoa has been a game-changer,” she says. “It’s enabled me to stay close to my family while doing work I am passionate about.”
She also points out that this flexibility isn’t just for women. Men across the company are supported to balance family and work too, an approach she sees as essential to making gender equity sustainable.
Encouragement for women considering the field
For women considering manufacturing, mining or other operational industries and wondering if they’d be welcomed, Carly’s message is clear: give it a go.
“One of the most important strategies I can share is simple—say yes,” she says. “Whether you’re just starting out or considering a career shift, don’t shy away from opportunities in these fields. You might be surprised by what you learn and who you meet.”
She encourages others to own their expertise, embrace new challenges, and back each other along the way. With more women entering and shaping these spaces, the industry is becoming one where everyone can thrive.
What real change looks like
Carly’s work may focus on safety systems and operational processes, but it’s also about people. In her time at Alcoa, she’s seen how a culture built on flexibility, collaboration, and inclusion can create space for more women to thrive—and for the industry to evolve.
She knows change doesn’t happen all at once, but it does happen in workplaces that back it up with action. From offering flexible roles to supporting women in technical pathways, Alcoa is showing what a modern career in manufacturing and mining can look like.
If you’ve ever wondered whether you belong in this industry—let this be your sign. You do. And employers like Alcoa are ready to back your next move.
Check out Alcoa on WORK180 to explore their latest job opportunities today.
