Government eyes getting more women into 'higher paid and non-traditional industries'
The federal government recently solidified its commitment to supporting women’s “economic security” by giving wider access to careers and employment opportunities.
The Morrison government has launched 42 new projects through the National Careers Institute (NCI). According to a media release, round three of the NCI Partnership Grants program provides $10 million to fund the said projects.
Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business, Stuart Robert MP said the government is committed to “seeing more women share in opportunities to boost their careers as the Australian economy continues to strengthen.”
“The Australian economy is firing as employment and participation hit record highs and the unemployment rate has fallen to 4.0 per cent, so there has never been a better chance to strengthen your career prospects,” Robert said.
“These new projects are focused on helping women get the most out of their careers and it is worth noting women around the country are already benefiting from our strong economy, with the female participation rate rising to reach a new record high of 62.4 per cent in February 2022,” Robert added.
Meanwhile, Minister for Women’s Economic Security, Senator Jane Hume, welcomed the committed funds, saying that the “targeted support” will “get more women into work.”
“The high number of funding applications is terrific and proof of the strong interest to work with government to deliver projects that will improve the economic security of women across Australia,” Hume said.
She also noted that getting women into “higher paid and non-industrial industries” was a priority for the government, as they are hopeful it would result to more representation.
“Lifting workforce participation and supporting women into more diverse industries and the jobs of the future enhances economic security and lowers the gender pay gap. These projects will get more Australian women into higher paid and non-traditional industries and occupations where women are under-represented and provide information and advice on returning from a career break,” she said.
“Projects will be delivered by training organisations, universities, community groups, industry bodies and local governments and help women at all career stages to make better connections between their education and training and help them succeed in their chosen career,” Hume said.
According to the media release, prior funding rounds of the NCI have already injected $10.42 million into 28 ongoing projects.
