- Applications open for places in next year's Jobs Academy, which supports and equips Queensland women to navigate the job market.
- Under Labor, Jobs Academy was unfunded beyond the end of this year, but the Crisafulli Government's investment extended the program.
- An additional $4 million from the Crisafulli Government guaranteed an additional 500 Queensland women will benefit in 2026 and 2027.
- The Crisafulli Government is strengthening women's economic security by delivering the expanded Jobs Academy program.
The Crisafulli Government has opened applications for the extended Jobs Academy in 2026, with hundreds of Queensland women to benefit from fresh funding.
The $4 million injection from the Crisafulli Government guarantees an additional 500 Queensland women will benefit in 2026 and 2027, after the former Labor Government left the program unfunded beyond 2025.
Jobs Academy is a transformative program supporting women over the age of 40 to return to work or study and re-establish their careers.
The already-successful program is delivered in partnership with Future Women and is designed to be flexible, self-paced and free – thanks to the Crisafulli Government's funding.
It is a year-long, virtual pre-employment program which equips women with the knowledge and connections to be job-ready, return to work and thrive.
The Crisafulli Government is delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy and boosting women's economic security after Labor's decade of decline.
Minister for Women and Women's Economic Security Fiona Simpson said the Crisafulli Government's ongoing partnership with Future Women was a valuable investment in the future of Queensland women.
"Applications for a place in the Jobs Academy in 2026 are now open, and this is great news for Queensland women who need that extra support to return to work and thrive," Minister Simpson said.
"The two-year Jobs Academy extension, coupled with our $20 million Women's Career Grants program, demonstrate our commitment to enhancing women's economic security and delivering a better lifestyle through a stronger economy.
"The CFMEU Inquiry has laid bare how the former Labor government was complicit in the bullying and intimidation of Queensland women by allowing the appalling behaviour of their union mates to go unchecked.
"In stark contrast, the Crisafulli Government is committed to investment in practical outcomes to break down barriers and broaden opportunities for women right across Queensland who want to return to work and strengthen their economic security."
Future Women Founder Helen McCabe said the Jobs Academy program's extension would help more women navigate the job market with confidence and clarity.
"Jobs Academy has already helped thousands of women return to work or study - and thrive. I'm thrilled we'll be able to support more Queensland women over the next two years," Ms McCabe said.
"The Queensland Government's commitment to Jobs Academy is a win-win for employers and women alike. By boosting workforce participation, it helps to ease labour and skill shortages, while supporting women to secure their economic future.
"Jobs Academy works because we are guided by participants' personal experiences and feedback, and we focus on providing the right balance of education, empowerment and connection to achieve real results."
Register your interest in Jobs Academy 2026 here - https://jobsacademy.futurewomen.com/
