Future Women and Carers Australia team up to help unpaid carers get back to work

Up to 105 Australian carers will receive tailored support to rejoin the paid workforce, thanks to a new collaboration between Carers Australia and the Future Women Jobs Academy.

Future Women’s Jobs Academy provides participants with access to job readiness training, mentoring, professional development, skills building, job search support and connections to employers and training organisations.

“Obligations to take on caring responsibilities fall disproportionately on women, who represent seven in ten primary carers,” said CEO of Carers Australia, Alison Brook.

“Balancing caring duties with work contributes to women’s higher rates of insecure work, which can have significant implications on women’s lifetime earnings and superannuation.”

Under this collaboration with Carers Australia, Future Women will support 105 carers who had previously missed out on this groundbreaking program. Through this collaboration and capacity building, Carers Australia will ensure Future Women is better prepared to support all carers who participate in Jobs Academy.

Women carers who are already part of the Future Women Jobs Academy report that between practical challenges and emotional stress, it can be hugely difficult to stay connected with paid work.

Research by Carers Australia revealed that primary carers lose an average of $392,500 in lifetime earnings and $175,000 in superannuation by the time they’re 67. Being able to return to the paid workforce, as quickly as possible once they feel ready, is essential to a carer’s financial future and economic security.

Future Women’s founder and Managing Director Helen McCabe said that “supporting carers is crucial to national conversations about women’s equality and economic security”.

“Many carers are eager to work but need assistance to rebuild their confidence and reconnect with employers – that’s where Jobs Academy comes in”.

Rebecca Hansen, the Head of Future Women’s Jobs Academy, said “the program has been so successful because it was designed by women, for women. We understand that women carers face unique challenges in returning to work and will be here every step of the way to support them in that journey”.

This collaboration with Carers Australia has been made possible with funding from the Office for Women within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.