Innovative jobs program launches intake to support women who have previously served to shape their civilian careers

The FW Jobs Academy, an innovative program securing the economic futures of thousands of Australian women, is partnering with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to launch an intake supporting women and gender diverse people who have previously served to shape the next chapter of their careers and thrive. 

Women represent a vital and growing segment of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and receive extensive training in critical areas like digital, cybersecurity, engineering, strategy, intelligence and leadership. Supporting women veterans transitioning into civilian careers is crucial to ensuring we maintain a highly skilled workforce into the future and maximise their opportunity for economic participation. 

Despite their unique skills and experience, women veterans can experience more challenges during the transition period and are more likely to be unemployed compared to men, according to research commissioned by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs. They also experience worse job satisfaction, worse long-term employment and retention outcomes and lower incomes.

FW Founder and Managing Director Helen McCabe said she’s proud to offer a program supporting these women to overcome unique barriers to shaping their civilian careers. “Anyone who has served, or who knows someone who has, understands how difficult it is to transition back to civilian life. Jobs Academy will meet these women where they’re at and connect them to forward-thinking employers who are ready to harness their skills and support them into the next stage of their lives.” 

Applications are now open for the 2025 Jobs Academy cohort, with 50 places available for participants aged 18+ who: 

• Have previously served in or are transitioning from the Australian Defence Force, or 
• Have a partner who has previously served in or is transitioning from the Australian Defence Force.

As part of the year-long and free program, participants gain access to: 

• A Learning Hub of self-guided courses on finding career clarity, understanding the modern job market, navigating the job search and more.
• Mentoring and coaching delivered through small group workshops and inspirational webinars hosted by experienced professionals.
• Jobs and Skills Fairs webinars to hear directly from employers, training organisations and career pathway programs with vacancies to fill.
• Confidence building through community and networking opportunities via the supportive Jobs Academy network.
• A virtual ticket to the annual FW Leadership Summit, held in March.
• Lifetime Jobs Academy membership upon completion.

We’ve partnered with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to launch an intake supporting women and gender diverse people who have previously served to shape the next chapter of their civilian careers in 2025. Jobs Academy is supported by major employers across Australia including CyberCX, Acciona, Westpac, Aesop, HammondCare and ServiceNow.

To learn more about the program or to register your interest for future intakes, head to www.jobsacademy.futurewomen.com/veterans

Quotes attributed to Matt Keogh, Minister for Veterans’ Affairs and Defence Personnel:

“The Royal Commission made it clear that there is more to do to improve transition for veterans.” 

“The Albanese Government is committed to innovating in wellbeing supports for veterans and recognises the unique impacts of service life on female veterans and veteran families.” 

“The Future Women Jobs Academy Program builds on our Veteran Employment Program initiatives to support businesses in employing veterans and to support veterans into successful post service careers.” 

“This partnership demonstrates just how much the veteran community has to offer after their Australian Defence Force service.”