Building women’s confidence to return to work


Released 28/09/2017

Fifteen women have just successfully completed the new Belconnen Return to Work Program for Women, designed to assist women in the Belconnen area to build self-esteem, and the skills and confidence to return to work.

The program is a SPARK Ginninderry Training and Employment Initiative funded by the ACT Office for Women and delivered in partnership with the Career Shop.

Through workshops, the women learnt invaluable skills to help prepare them for returning to the workforce, including resume writing and applying for jobs, job interview techniques, and personal presentation and styling. Each woman also took part in a four hour individual planning session.

The ACT Government’s Office for Women provides direct support to thousands of women in the community who experience disadvantage or barriers to information, education and support services. The SPARK program demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring that women and girls in the ACT are supported to fully participate in all aspects of society, including the workforce.

The ACT Government’s Women’s Information Line provided essential information to almost 3000 women, and linked them to relevant supports and services in 2016-17. The Return to Work Program assisted another 160 women to overcome barriers to education and employment through the provision of $1000 grants. We are committed to continuing these valuable programs in 2017-18.

The SPARK program also aligns with the ACT Women’s Plan 2016-26. The plan articulates the government’s commitment to removing barriers to enable women and girls to reach their potential, contribute to innovation and ideas and to take up leadership positions.

More information can be found at http://www.communityservices.act.gov.au/women/office_for_women/womens-plan-2016-26.

- Statement ends -

Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases

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