Federal Government Funds EmpowerHER Pathways Program

Career Links is announcing the launch of the EmpowerHer Pathways Program, a three-year initiative designed to create pathways for women to build rewarding careers in the high growth sectors of Clean Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Digital and Technology, across the Hunter region.

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Funded by The Australian Government, the Building Women’s Careers: EmpowerHER Pathways Program, aims to address gender disparities in the male-dominated, target sectors, through identifying barriers to employment, coordinated training, employment opportunities, mentoring and workplace support.

The program will be launched at an event on Tuesday 27 May at Fort Scratchley with Guest of Honour, the Minister for Skills and Training the Honourable Andrew Giles MP in attendance, as well as guest speakers Hilary Barton, President of Engineers Australia and Director of Strategic Projects Port Waratah Coal Services and Tracey Medley, Senior Projects Engineer, Gamuda Australia, John Holland Gamuda Australia Joint Venture who have both volunteered their time to help launch this collaborative program and to represent the industries being targeted.

"According to Australian Government Science Technology and Resources, females currently represent only 15% of the workforce in these high-growth sectors in the Hunter region, and females continue to make up only one quarter of year 12 enrolments in information technology, physics and engineering subjects,” said John Purcell CEO Career Links. “This program will show women what they can be, break down barriers and create sustainable, gender-inclusive pathways to well-paid, rewarding and secure careers."

The EmpowerHer Pathways Program will be delivered in partnership with Regional Development Australia-Hunter, education and employment partners, and employers across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, the Upper and Lower Hunter regions.

Key components of the program include:

• Career awareness activities including roadshows and industry immersion experiences

• VET “Taster” courses and targeted training pathways for participants

• Workplace experience for participants through industry placements

• Careers Counselling and one-on-one mentoring support to participants

• Collaboration with business, industry and female participants to identify barriers to employment in the male dominated target sectors. 

• Development of gender-inclusive workplace practices in conjunction with industry partners to build lasting cultural change.

Kate O’Mara, CEO and Director Regional Development Australia- Hunter (RDA-Hunter) has endorsed this initiative, stating

“Regional Development Australia (RDA) Hunter is pleased to support Career Links’ EmpowerHER Pathways Program initiative. The region's economy is underpinned by its skilled people, and collaborative projects such as this are important in encouraging women to participate in and further strengthen the local workforce.”

The program will commence in June 2025 and is open to women of any age within the Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Hunter regions. It is free to participate and requires no experience necessary. Ideal for school leavers, career changers, or simply those looking for the next challenge, the program aims to be wholistic in its approach, fully supporting participants through career counselling, training, work placement, and ongoing mentorship once employment begins. The collaboration with industry includes the creation of female safe work environments through the adoption of gender diverse policies and practices built directly into the structure of the business. In addition to RDA-Hunter existing partners of the program include TAFE NSW, John Holland Gamuda Joint Venture, AMPControl, AGL, Hunter Multicultural Communities, Muswellbrook Shire Council, Singleton Shire Council and Acadiam.

To participate in the program and to find out more about it, potential female participants can apply online at www.careerlinks.nsw.edu.au/participant-candidate-information-bwc. Business owners within the Clean Energy, Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Digital and Technology sectors who are interested in enhancing diversity and inclusion outcomes and address skills gaps through the creation of sustainable employment pathways for females are encouraged to visit www.careerlinks.nsw.edu.au/bwc-industry or call 02 4967 1050.

Program Management

Career Links is a not-for-profit organisation servicing Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and Hunter regions. Operating since 2000, managing and facilitating a range of programs and initiatives which assist young people to transition to their future career, they help to create links and opportunities for young people to be the best they can be, by providing services, programs and events through partnerships with the education sector, business, families, and the community.