Return-to-work program targets NSW women in need

FW Jobs Academy, a free, innovative and fully virtual program helping women to return to work is launching its first NSW-specific intake with a focus on supporting women who need it the most. An additional 1000 places will be available over two years thanks to a $5.8 million funding boost from the NSW Government.

Helen McCabe, FW Founder and Managing Director said that since it was first launched two years ago, the Academy – which has been co-designed by members to suit their future work needs – has already helped hundreds of women return to the workforce, training or study and thrive. 

“We know women’s economic security is key to their wellbeing and safety. 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 McCabe.

The program is particularly focused on supporting women aged over 18 who face intersecting barriers to securing employment and career progression, including:

• 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 disabilities
• Women living in regional, rural, and remote areas

Ciska White, a NSW Jobs Academy graduate who lives in regional NSW, gained a full-time role with assistance from the Academy. She agrees that initiatives designed to help women like her to find jobs are critical, not only to skills gaps but to these women and their families.

“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 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.”

Applications for FW’s 2024 mid-year intake are now open and will close on 8 July 2024. Women over 18 from NSW are encouraged to apply: jobsacademy.futurewomen.com/nsw

This FW Jobs Academy intake is supported by the NSW Government through funding via Women NSW to support 1,000 women over two years. The program is supported by major employers across Australia including HESTA, CyberCX, Salesforce, Nine and Microsoft.