$20 million program to help women return to work
The Queensland government has announced a $20 million grant program to help up to 4,000 women return to work after extended leave.
Under the Women’s Career Grants initiative, women who are out of the workforce for reasons such as raising children, being caregivers or managing the breakdown of a relationship can apply for up to $5,000.
This can be used to cover workwear, child care, training, recertification, relocation, tool or technology costs.
Prime Minister David Crisafulli and Minister for Women Fiona Simpson at the launch of the Careers Grants for Women on Sunday. Credit: Courtney Kruk
Women’s Minister Fiona Simpson said the first tranche of grants would prioritize women who have been unemployed for more than six months and face serious barriers when trying to re-enter the workforce.
“Many women may take time off from work at various times in their lives to care for children, care for the elderly or other sick family members, or in other situations,” she said.
“This means women are more economically vulnerable than the average Queenslander.”
The first two years of the program will be delivered in partnership with Future Women, the organization responsible for running the highly successful pre-employment program Jobs Academy.
Future Women founder Helen McCabe said the Careers Grants for Women initiative would actively promote sectors with skills shortages.
“Skills are desperately needed in this economy – not just in Queensland but across Australia,” he said.
