$8.7 million to fund the missing link in women’s workforce participation

Future Women is successfully bridging the gap between women not participating in work, and job vacancies Australian employers sorely need to fill. The highly successful Jobs Academy pilot program is now being extended, with a focus on women over 40, thanks to funding announced in tonight’s federal budget.

The Albanese Government’s 2022-23 Budget announcement confirms $8.7 million for Future Women to support a further 2,000 women as part of its innovative professional development and job connection program, over the next three years. 

Future Women’s Founder and Managing Director Helen McCabe, said that the commitment will give more women the confidence, capabilities and connections to return to work – and secure their economic futures.

“Jobs Academy was designed by women, to work alongside women, at scale,” said Ms McCabe, speaking from Canberra. “Our pilot has demonstrated overwhelming demand and success. We received six times as many applications as we had places to offer, and have since exceeded employment targets three months ahead of schedule.”

“The Future Women team is looking forward to connecting more women, who face intersecting barriers to employment, with real, secure and rewarding jobs. We’re confident of delivering for employers in the short term, the national economy in the longer term and changing the lives of these women and their families forever”. 

Funding to expand the Jobs Academy program comes at a time when employers are crying out for skills and labour. Removing barriers to women’s participation in work, especially older women who are at risk of falling into poverty later in life, is part of the solution.

“Women are arguably Australia’s most untapped resource. With the right support and connections, delivered by programs like Jobs Academy, that treat women with dignity and respect, we can get women back to work,” said Head of the Jobs Academy program, Rebecca Hansen.

“Women who participate in the Jobs Academy have the skills and experience to be incredible leaders at work. With the tailored mentoring, support and real job connections they receive through Jobs Academy, that’s exactly what they’ll achieve,” she said.

Future Women has formed partnerships with more than 55 key employers who want to hire from the Jobs Academy, including HESTA, CyberCX, Salesforce, Nine and GHD. 

For more information on becoming a partner employer, a participant in the 2023 intake or for case studies or further comment please contact [email protected] or Ella Jackson on 0435 090 202.