“Absolutely wonderful”: Jobs Academy’s jubilant morning

There was joy, connection and even a few tears at FW Jobs Academy’s first ever in-person catch-up

By FW

Jobs Academy

There was joy, connection and even a few tears at FW Jobs Academy’s first ever in-person catch-up

By FW

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What happens when you take a fully online program and put it out there in the real world?

Magic. That’s what.

And there was plenty of it in Western Sydney recently as FW Jobs Academy members – past and present – came together for a special roundtable discussion.

In an intimate setting at the historic Woodstock Community Centre in Burwood, dozens of members arrived to discuss the challenges women face navigating a constantly changing workforce – especially after a career break.

Joining them were FW Deputy Managing Director Jamila Rizvi – who facilitated the discussion, and federal MP, Sally Sitou, along with partner-employers and advocates who support the program.

Sitou said she was thrilled with the opportunity to connect with Jobs Academy members and shared her own moving stories of the workforce barriers faced by her mother and grandmother.

She reminisced on the opportunities they may have had if they had a resource like Jobs Academy available to them.

The event was also a great chance for partner-employers to meet directly with prospective new recruits.

Sam White, from HammondCare, said the program helps his recruitment team make “really wonderful connections” and that the partnership has reaped “huge rewards”.

But the most significant stories of the day came from the Jobs Academy members themselves, who spoke candidly about their experiences. At times, there were tears but the room was filled with a ready support network, along with stories of resilience, determination and success.

Present were FW Deputy Managing Director Jamila Rizvi, MP Sally Sitou and ABC's Declan Bowring.

Current Jobs Academy members heard from Alumni of the program.

Members expressed their struggles in finding long-term work suited to their needs.

Community advocacy groups expressed their support and praise for Jobs Academy.

Representing MP for Chifley Ed Husic was Advisor Akano Amuda.

Jobs Academy will have directly benefited 4,000 women by the end of 2025.

Rizvi said many women arrive at Jobs Academy lacking confidence and feeling alone in their experiences but quickly realise they are not.

“Every year, a new cohort of women joins the program and says – ‘I am surrounded by such incredible, intelligent and capable women.’ And I have to remind them that they, too, are part of this amazing cohort and are impressive in their own right.

“The confidence that women achieve throughout the program is one of the greatest takeaways, and we are so proud to have supported thousands of women to get to that point.”

Jobs Academy is packed with practical programs to help women build their skills, confidence and networks. But perhaps its most powerful tool is that of connection.

“Just talking to people face to face or even online has been absolutely wonderful”, said Jobs Academy graduate Liz Parker at the Western Sydney event, “because you’re meeting people that are like-minded and going through the same journey you are.”

Current Jobs Academy member Joy Pereira said it’s important we “look after each other as women” and that it has been great to “meet lovely people… who are really supportive” while undertaking the program.

“I’ve enjoyed myself immensely and I’ve got a lot more to do before I’m done.”