Applications have opened for the NSW Government’s Future Women Jobs Academy program, which aims to boost women’s workforce participation and economic security in the state.
The initiative is being supported by $5.8 million in funding from the NSW Government and will support 1000 women across two years.
The free program is custom designed for each participant and aims to improve job readiness and economic security for women in NSW who are unemployed, under employed, or seeking to progress to more stable employment and a higher income.
“The NSW Government is committed to fostering economic opportunity, and boosting participation and empowerment for women and girls across the state,” said Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison.
“It was important that this free program targeted women from diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, women with disability and women living in regional, rural and remote NSW to make sure they had the opportunity to progress in paid employment and build careers.
“A focus of this government is increasing women’s participation at all levels which contributes to reducing the gender pay gap, improving workplace cultures, and in addresses workforce shortages.”
Minister Harrison said the Government was particularly focused on making sure the program provides access to women from communities that have lower workforce participation rates and face intersecting barriers to entering and progressing in the workforce. This includes:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (for whom applications will be considered first for acceptance into the program);
- Women from culturally diverse backgrounds;
- Women with disability;
- Women living in regional, rural, and remote areas.
Participants in the Future Women Jobs Academy program will have access to:
- online resources and bespoke learning hub;
- leadership masterclasses and training programs;
- professional development, coaching, and mentoring;
- jobs and skills fair webinars;
- a 2 day Leadership Summit;
- Lifetime Future Women membership.
The program will be delivered by Australian company, Future Women, in partnership with the NSW Government. Future Women is a supplier of programs that equip participating women with the necessary supports to enter, progress and succeed in paid employment, and build careers that benefit them for the long term.
“The support of the NSW Government means we can assist even more women, especially women from marginalised backgrounds, find a path back to work,” said Founder and Managing Director of Future Women, Helen McCabe.
“This innovative program meets women where they’re at and has been co-designed by members to best suit their future work needs.”
Applications for the 2-year program are now open and will close on Monday 8 July.
“As a single parent, I’m [now] completely able to support myself. I’m starting to boost my superannuation, which was terrible. There’s so many different ways that it will have long term impacts on my life,” said Future Women Jobs Academy Graduate, Ciska White.
“I’m set up to work in a satisfying job where I earn a decent income, my confidence is boosted. I can support my family. You shouldn’t underestimate the impact that has by making that intervention at that really important point in a woman’s life.”
For more information visit the Future Women Jobs Academy page.
