A new program is helping women in the Hunter region take their first steps into growing industries like clean energy—and it’s also giving local businesses a way to meet their future workforce needs.
The EmpowerHER Pathways Project, funded by the Australian Government, connects women of all backgrounds with opportunities in high-demand sectors including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, construction, and digital technology. Through a mix of career counselling, industry-aligned training, mentoring, and work experience placements, the program is designed to remove the common barriers many women face when trying to enter these fields.
The project is free to participants and open to a broad group: school leavers, graduates, women returning to the workforce, those changing careers, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women living in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens or the wider Hunter region. No prior experience is required.
But it’s not just individuals who stand to benefit. Businesses in clean energy and other growth sectors are encouraged to take part—by offering placements, mentorship, or even apprenticeships. Employers will also get guidance on improving gender diversity in their workplaces and putting in place flexible practices that support female staff.
By taking part, businesses can help shape a pipeline of workers trained specifically to meet current and future industry needs. This is especially useful in clean energy, where skills shortages can make recruitment a challenge.
Career Links, which is delivering the program, says it’s also about building lasting connections between schools, training organisations, and local employers. These relationships create a support network that helps women thrive in their new roles—and stay there long term.
Support doesn’t end when the placement does. Mentoring networks and ongoing contact with industry experts are part of the program’s plan to ensure new entrants feel supported and workplaces are ready to welcome them.
Applications to the program are open now and referrals are welcome from individuals, schools, agencies, service providers—or anyone who knows someone ready to take the next step. Interested parties are invited to celebrate the launch of the Building Women’s Careers:EmpowerHER Pathways Program at Fort Scratchley in Newcastle on May 27. Details here.
