Womens Leadership Development Program
APGA 2026 Women’s Leadership Development Program
Registrations Now Open
Now entering its 11th cohort, the APGA Women’s Leadership Development Program has become one of the pipeline industry’s most established leadership initiatives. Over the past decade, the program has supported hundreds of women across the sector in developing leadership capability, expanding professional networks, and building confidence to take the next step in their careers. Alumni of the program now hold roles across technical, operational, commercial and executive functions throughout the industry.
The APGA Women’s Leadership Development Program (WLDP) has been developed specifically to support women working across Australia’s pipeline and energy sectors.
Modelled on successful leadership initiatives delivered globally, the program provides participants with opportunities to strengthen leadership capability, expand professional networks, and develop skills that support long-term career progression within the industry.
The program is open to individuals who identify as women and are employed by APGA member companies. Participants from all professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Over the past several years, the program has brought together women from across the sector, including engineers, executive assistants, project managers, commercial analysts, site controllers, and senior leaders. This diversity of experience creates a valuable environment for shared learning and industry connection.
Places in the program are limited and early registration is recommended.
REGISTER HERE
Program Structure – 2026
The 2026 program combines in-person workshops and virtual learning sessions, allowing participants to engage with the program throughout the year while maintaining momentum between face-to-face events.
The program includes:
- Two face-to-face leadership workshops
- Two virtual sessions delivered between the in-person workshops
The virtual sessions provide an opportunity for continued learning, reflection, and discussion of leadership concepts introduced during the in-person workshops.
Face-to-Face Sessions
Session 1
22–23 July 2026 | Brisbane | Pullman King George Square
Session 2
1–2 December 2026 | Sydney | The Grace Hotel
Each session also aligns with an APGA event, providing additional opportunities for industry engagement and networking.
Included Networking Events
Registration for the 2026 program includes complimentary attendance at two APGA industry events:
- APGA Brisbane Dinner – 23 July 2026
- APGA Sydney Christmas Networking Event and Mini Seminar – 2 December 2026
These events provide participants with valuable opportunities to expand their professional networks and engage with leaders from across the pipeline industry.
Program Facilitator
The program will once again be facilitated by Dr. Gretchen Gagel of Greatness Consulting.
Dr. Gagel is an internationally recognised leadership specialist who has designed and delivered programs for organisations including the American Gas Association. She has played a central role in shaping the APGA Women’s Leadership Development Program and brings extensive experience in developing leaders across the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Program Content
Program content evolves each year based on participant feedback and industry needs.
Core themes typically explored throughout the program include:
- Leadership and management development
- Effective communication and influence
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
- Mentoring and being mentored
- Personal branding and professional visibility
- Navigating change and building resilience
Sessions combine facilitated discussion, interactive exercises, and peer learning to create a highly engaging leadership development experience.
Key Information
Program Fee
$3,500 + GST
The registration fee covers the majority of program delivery costs, including participation in all workshops and the included APGA networking events.
Travel and Accommodation
Participants are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel and accommodation for the face-to-face sessions.
Eligibility
Participation is open to employees of APGA member companies only.
Company Participation
Up to three participants per company may register. Additional registrations may be considered subject to program availability.
Registration and Invoicing
To register for the program, please complete the registration form.
Once registration has been submitted and confirmed, an invoice will be issued to the participant’s organisation for payment of the program fee.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enquiries
For further information about the program or the registration process, please contact:
APGA
apga@apga.org.au
Please note: APGA reserves the right to adjust the program schedule if necessary.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS - TRAINING POLICY
Participant Feedback
Since the program commenced in 2019, APGA has seen a noticeable increase in female participation across association activities, with more women attending industry events and engaging with the broader pipeline community.
Program evaluations consistently highlight the positive impact the Women’s Leadership Development Program has on participants’ professional growth.
- 90% of participants reported an increase in confidence
- 85% rated the program extremely valuable
- 15% rated the program very valuable
One participant noted:
“I’ve had two promotions in two years after 10 years of a stalled career. This program has transformed my life.”
Additional participant feedback includes:
“APGA's Women's Leadership Development Program has proven to be a tailored, thought-provoking training which has challenged me and greatly enhanced my understanding of leadership.”
“The flexibility with the topics covered and the supportiveness of the group and presenters made this one of the best professional development courses I’ve been to. The skills and knowledge I have taken away will help me be a better leader.”
“I’ve grown in confidence in terms of what I am capable of and what I have achieved. The ‘safe space’ to discuss issues was so valuable and the quality of speakers including Gretchen was so high.”
“Gretchen was a fabulous facilitator who generously shared her knowledge and experience in a warm and approachable way.”
“I found the program to be a valuable ‘disrupter’. It gave me the opportunity to pause and reassess my values, my goals and how I operate. It also gave me a lot of useful tools to improve myself, my performance and my ‘brand’.”
“Participating in this program was valuable for a number of reasons: the content was insightful, interesting and thought provoking; the knowledge and skill of Gretchen as facilitator was outstanding; the guest speakers were relevant and some had shared common experiences with most participants; and meeting and engaging with other women in the industry who share common issues was bonding and reassuring.”