Queensland Women’s Career Grants expand, supporting families and the ECEC workforce

A $20 million expansion of the Queensland Government’s Women’s Career Grants program is expected to help more women return to work, while also providing potential benefits for the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector.

The program offers one-off grants of up to $5,000 to help women overcome financial barriers that can prevent them from re-entering the workforce. Funding can be used for a range of employment-related costs, including registered childcare, training and recertification.

For the ECEC sector, the initiative may help ease pressures facing both families and the workforce. Childcare support can assist parents returning to employment, while funding for training or recertification could also support women seeking to re-enter early childhood education roles.

The announcement follows a successful first round of the program, which supported more than 1,000 women across Queensland.

According to the Queensland Government, 93 per cent of successful applicants sought financial assistance across three or more categories. The most common uses for funding included recertification, training and technology to support job readiness.

In addition to childcare and education costs, the flexible grants can also be used for expenses such as workwear, transport to interviews, tools required for employment and relocation costs for new roles.

Expressions of interest for the second round are now open, with full applications scheduled to open on Monday 23 March.

Queensland Minister for Women’s Economic Security Fiona Simpson said the initiative is designed to reduce financial barriers that can prevent women from returning to employment.

In a government statement, Ms Simpson said the grants provide practical support and cost-of-living relief to help women secure the resources they need to rebuild their careers.

The program is delivered in partnership with Future Women, an organisation focused on improving economic opportunities for women. Future Women also delivers the Jobs Academy program, which supports women aged more than 40 who are seeking to return to work or study.

With workforce shortages continuing to challenge the ECEC sector nationally, initiatives that support women returning to employment may also contribute to rebuilding the educator pipeline.

ECEC providers and centre managers may wish to share information about the grants with families in their communities who are navigating childcare costs, as well as with prospective educators seeking support to complete training or recertification.

Expressions of interest for Round 2 of the Women’s Career Grants program are now open.

Further information is available via the Queensland Government media statement:
https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/104634

Applications and program details can also be accessed at:
www.womenscareergrants.com.au