Queensland backs women with a $3.2 million investment in FW Jobs Academy

Future Women’s Jobs Academy will play an important role in securing Queensland women’s economic futures, thanks to new investment from the state government.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman have announced $3.2 million for 500 additional Queensland women to access this groundbreaking program.

FW Jobs Academy is delivered flexibly and virtually, supporting women who face barriers to employment. The program connects women looking for work with employers that are crying out for skilled labour, while also providing mentoring and upskilling opportunities. 

FW Managing Director Helen McCabe welcomed the funding, and says there is already a significant level of interest from Queensland women, eager to sign up. 

“FW Jobs Academy is disrupting traditional employment programs. We’ve created a program that meets women where they’re at, offering support tailored to their needs,” said McCabe.

“Dignity is at the core of what we’re doing, so that every woman in the Jobs Academy feels welcome and respected. We’re proud to partner with forward-thinking employers who are interested in tapping into one of Australia’s most under-utilised resources: women.” 

According to research by Impact Economics, there are one million skilled Australian women who are not participating in paid work but would like to. Up to 200,000 of those women live in Queensland but need help to rediscover their strengths, find confidence and make the connections which lead to a job. 

Brisbane-based Jobs Academy graduate Sairah Zubair Khan was part of a 2022 federally-funded intake of the program. Kahn says Jobs Academy was instrumental in helping her regain confidence, access information and land work that is secure and meaningful. 

“I wanted to find my work and identity again. I’m only 46. I’m an asset to the workforce and very much should be utilised. I’m having my second age of my working life and I feel the best I’ve ever been,” said Khan. “Future Women and Jobs Academy builds that credibility for you. They are partners with a lot of different groups and industries.”

The FW Jobs Academy is currently supported by the Australian Government to support 2,000 women over three years to return to the workforce. The Jobs Academy is designed by women, for women, and meets them where they’re at. The program partners with major employers across Australia including HESTA, CyberCX, Salesforce, Nine and Microsoft to fill job vacancies, and give women a new start in life.

Read more at jobsacademy.futurewomen.com/