Building Women's Careers Across the Hunter EmpowerHER Pathways - Free Career Support For Women of all Ages
- intouch Magazine
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
Women across the Hunter are invited to participate in a new program, funded by the Australian Government and delivered through the local not-for-profit organisation Career Links, aimed at creating employment pathways for women in high-growth, male-dominated sectors, including Clean Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Digital, and Technology.
The program is open to women of any age residing in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, and the Hunter. Participation is free and requires no prior experience. Ideal for school leavers, career changers, or those seeking the next challenge, the program aims to be wholistic in its approach, fully supporting participants through career counselling, training, work placement, and ongoing mentorship. The collaboration with industry includes the creation of female-safe work environments through the adoption of gender-diverse policies and practices within businesses. Partners include Regional Development Australia – Hunter, TAFE NSW, John Holland Gamuda Joint Venture, AMPControl, AGL, Hunter Multicultural Communities, Muswellbrook Shire Council, Singleton Shire Council and Acadiam.
Deborah Sams, Program Manager, has over 35 years’ experience in business management, stakeholder engagement, compliance, and marketing across the not-for-profit, government, and private sectors.
“My focus will be on program delivery and compliance, working closely with industry and business partners to identify barriers to employment for women, address skills gaps, explore employment opportunities, and enhance gender-diversity outcomes to foster lasting change,” said Deborah.
Glenda O’Brien is the Program Coordinator and a Registered Professional Career Development Practitioner with 40 years’ experience as an educator within NSW schools and vocational education. She is an Executive Member of the Career Development Association of Australia and will be working closely with the participants.
“Every woman who walks through our door carries a story—some full of hope, others heavy with doubt,” said Glenda.
“Our belief in them, often before they believe in themselves, can be the spark that changes everything. It's not just about jobs; it's about restoring courage, dignity, and the quiet confidence to dream again.”
For more information and to register for the program, visit www.careerlinks.nsw.edu.au/participant-candidate-information-bwc.
If you are a business interested in engaging
with the program, visit www.careerlinks.nsw.edu.au/bwc-industry.
