IntoJobs, iTFE and Mas National (Mas) have recently collaborated to launch a vital wellness and training program for women facing hardship on the road to employment through the Workforce Australia program.
The pilot program, designed to tackle non-vocational barriers to employment, brought together participants from IntoJobs in both Mount Gambier and Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, for an intensive eight-day course spread over two weeks.
The Mount Gambier program focused on women who have experienced family and domestic violence, addressing issues such as low self-esteem, lack of confidence and uncertainty about engaging with employment and community services.
In the southeast of Melbourne, the focus was on the unique challenges faced by women from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, including language and literacy issues.
iTFE Growth and New Programs Manager, Kirsty Morrisey has been moved by the impact EmpowHer has had on the lives of these women.
“The response to EmpowHer has been overwhelmingly positive,” Kirsty shared. “Participants have reported it as a rewarding experience that has increased their confidence and provided them with new knowledge and skills to grow.”
The multi-day program integrates a range of support services, including allied health services from the Mas/IntoWork Allied Health Team, personal and self-development workshops from iTFE and local community connections and guest speakers from IntoJobs.
These components are designed to inspire, provide role models and offer comprehensive support to women as they transition to meaningful employment opportunities.
The culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) EmpowHer participants in the South Eastern Melbourne and Peninsula Employment Region
IntoJobs provided valuable opportunities for professional development by addressing the unique challenges women face when entering the workforce. They partnered with community organisations like Dress for Success to ensure participants were well-prepared for interviews and dressed appropriately, improving their confidence and work readiness.
As part of the program, iTFE led a three-day course of accredited and non-accredited training in wellbeing. Through shared laughter, unwavering support and candid discussions on challenging topics, the participants developed essential skills and gained lasting confidence.
Mas delivered the allied health component of the program, which centred on five core pillars: motivation, goal setting, building resilience, health and well-being and communication.
Notably, the results in Mount Gambier have been significant. Some participants formed a supportive network, exchanged contact numbers, and organised bi-weekly walking groups. Now, IntoJobs hosts morning tea catch-ups for them, where an allied health specialist is available to provide additional support.
Kirsty noted, “The transformation in these women has been remarkable. They have formed a supportive network, showing renewed confidence and a stronger sense of community.”
EmpowHer is set to expand to new locations in the coming months, aiming to reach more women in need. IntoJobs is actively exploring partnerships with local businesses to provide job placement opportunities for program graduates, further enhancing their prospects for a successful transition into the workforce.
