- Applications are now open for the Crisafulli Government's new Women's Career Grants.
- Queensland women can access up to $5,000 in support, to help reduce the cost of returning to work and unlock women's economic security.
- Grants include assistance with the costs of workwear, childcare, training, recertification, relocation, tools, or technology to tackle the economic barriers preventing women from re-joining the workforce.
- By boosting women's economic security, the Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and a fresh start for Queensland.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start for Queensland, after officially opening applications for the ground-breaking Women's Career Grants initiative.
Following the official program launch on October 12, more than 3,300 Queensland women have registered their interest for the grants.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering for Queensland women, with the $20 million initiative set to support Queensland women who want to get back into work, reducing the barriers to employment after career breaks such as caring for children, periods of family sickness, or relationship breakdowns.
The grants will be available to assist with the costs of workwear, childcare, training, recertification, transport to and from job interviews, tools and technology, or relocation expenses for new employment.
To be eligible, applicants must be Queensland residents over the age of 18 who have been unemployed for at least six months and are ready to re-enter the workforce, and able to provide the required identification evidence.
The Women's Career Grants will be delivered for the first two years in partnership with Future Women, the team behind the successful Jobs Academy program, which is a training initiative for women looking for work.
The $5,000 grants are part of the Crisafulli Government's commitment to delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and boosting women's economic security.
Minister for Women and Women's Economic Security Fiona Simpson said the Crisafulli Government was boosting economic security for Queensland women with new Women's Career Grants.
"We are delivering more support for women returning to work with new grants to help cover the cost of employment essentials," Minister Simpson said.
"The cost of childcare, technology, training or workwear shouldn't be employment barriers and the Women's Career Grants are helping remove them.
"This is important cost of living relief for women returning to work after children, illness or relationship breakdowns, because Queensland women shouldn't be locked-out of a job because they can't afford the cost of job-seeking."
Mother-of-six, Evie, who has been out of the workforce for more than 15 years, hopes to return to work as a makeup artist and will be applying for a Women's Career Grant to assist with childcare, re-training, and resume writing.
"Returning to the workforce after being a stay-at-home mum presents many challenges - from finding reliable childcare to feeling out of touch with current industry trends - the transition can be overwhelming," Evie said.
"This grant would help me regain confidence, sharpen my presentation, and invest in the tools and education needed to successfully re-enter the professional world.
"With support through the Women's Career Grants program, I can take meaningful steps toward rebuilding my career and creating a stable future for my family."
Future Women founder Helen McCabe said she was not surprised by the level of interest and excitement generated by the grants.
"These grants will make a real, tangible difference to the lives of many Queenslanders," she said.
"Future Women is excited to be partnering with the Queensland Government to support women returning to work." "This is what we at Future Women do best - we know how to connect women with the support they need to get back to work and thrive."
Applications can be submitted here - http://womenscareergrants.com.au/
