munitions

Lots of UK factories converted to munitions manufacture during WWI and hired women. They were called "munitionettes". See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munitionettes
Descriptions at, for example:
www.iknow-scotland.co.uk/tourist_information/south_west/g...
wiki.answers.com/Q/What_would_happen_in_munition_factorie...
Photos at: www.scienceandsociety.co.uk/results.asp?txtkeys1=Munition...

And over at the IWM uploads to Flickr Commons, Lottie Meade (one of over 200 women munitions workers in England to die from work-related illness during WWI):

The Women’s Australian National Service (WANS) was inaugurated in 1940. Training for members of the WANS included air raid drills, first aid, basic military drills, and even shooting, signalling, and mechanics. In the period leading up to the formation of the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS), the WANS demonstrated that women were capable of filling roles traditionally filled by men. Sir Percy Spender, Australia’s Minister for the Army, considered women to be an underutilised resource in Australia’s war effort. Consequently, he approved the formation of the AWAS on 13 August 1941 with the objective of releasing more men into forward areas. Source: www.awm.gov.au/articles/encyclopedia/awas

And work of high merit has been carried out by women members of AEME. Hundreds of AWAS are in the corps, and they are very proud of their AEME colour patch. Some are University graduates. The Army has to rely on many complicated optical instruments for sighting long range artillery, field artillery, anti-aircraft artillery, and coast artillery. These instruments range from ordinary binoculars to complex construction. In all-optical predictors of most work the AWAS has shown extraordinary skill. The girls have also been especially useful in instrument making, armature winding, and other work requiring delicacy of touch, quickness of movement, and perseverance. Source: The Arguse, 20 Jan 1945 trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/1108145

This photo was printed in The Sunday Oregonian, May 27, 1917, SECTION FIVE, Image 63 with the caption: "The London County Council has established a school where women are trained to do men's work. The Queen recently visited and inspected this school." oregonnews.uoregon.edu/lccn/sn83045782/1917-05-27/ed-1/se...

Women's Work in Wartime archive.org/stream/cu31924013938703#page/n53/mode/2up/sea... lists a number of technical institutes and colleges in London where munitions training was available.

The Imperial War Museum has some posters online for the L.C.C munitions training programs: www.duxford.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/28479 "LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL WOMEN WANTED FOR MUNITION WORK OFFER OF FREE TRAINING WITH MAINTENANCE CLASSES CONDUCTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE MINISTRY OF MUNITIONS Instruction is given in general machine work or acetylene welding. Special attention is given to lathe work, drilling, milling, shaping, profiling and capstan-lathe work for munition factories. Workers are allocated to the centres nearest their homes, and are required to attend for 8 hours daily. Payment at the rate of 25/- per week is made from enrolment: those who show ability and pass a medical examination are allocated to special courses, after the first week. Caps and overalls are supplied for the use of women students who accept maintenance allowance. All instruments and materials are provided free of charge. Particulars and application forms in regard to these classes may be obtained from the Education Officer, L.C.C. Education Offices, Victoria Embankment, " www.duxford.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/31389

Thanks to all of you for this great research. We'll add some of the information to both records the next time we update.