Since 2021, FW has been funded by state and federal governments to develop and deliver pre-employment programs for thousands of women across Australia. Jobs Academy was announced as an election commitment in the 2023 NSW election campaign. Funding of $5.8 million was allocated in the 2023-24 Budget to establish Jobs Academy in NSW and support 1,000 women over the next two years.
What is Jobs Academy?Jobs Academy is a year-long, virtual program that equips women and gender diverse people with the knowledge and connections to return to work and thrive. The program is designed to support women at varying stages of their return-to-work journey, delivering a calendar of best practice learning and career development activities. It combines self-directed online learning modules with live webinars, mentoring and community networking activities, accessed by participants at their own pace. At the end of the program participants receive a lifetime Jobs Academy membership so they can continue to access support and connection as they continue with their careers.
Who is the program for?Jobs Academy is designed to improve the job readiness and economic security of NSW women. The program is particularly focused on providing access to women from communities that have lower workforce participation rates and face intersecting barriers to entering and progressing in the workforce.
Priority cohorts for the program include: 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 disability Women living in regional, rural, and remote areas Program eligibilityParticipants will only be eligible to participate in Jobs Academy if they:
Identify as a woman or gender diverse person Live in the state of New South Wales Are at least 18 years of age at time of application Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident or have working rights in Australia Important dates and linksThe Jobs Academy program will be delivered in two cohorts of approximately 500 participants each year, with the first program intake commencing in July 2024 and the second intake commencing in July 2025.
Jobs Academy important dates Applications for Jobs Academy open on 28 May 2024. Applications for Jobs Academy close on 8 July 2024. The program begins on 22 July 2024 and concludes in July 2025.Note: Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Dates for the second program intake are to be confirmed.
Places in Jobs Academy are managed via an application process. Potential participants are guided to complete a series of questions in an application form to determine their eligibility and suitability for the program.
Jobs Academy important links Applications can be submitted via the Jobs Academy website:https://jobsacademy.futurewomen.com/nsw/