Department of Veterans' Affairs
Your next step
Supporting women and gender diverse people who have previously served in the Australian Defence Force to return to work and thrive.
What is FW Jobs Academy?
We understand veterans and partners of veterans each face unique challenges engaging in the civilian workforce.
Jobs Academy is a year-long, virtual program designed to give you clarity around your career goals and the confidence to move forward.
We've partnered with the Department of Veterans' Affairs for our 2025 intake to support women who have previously served in or are transitioning from the Australian Defence Force, or have a partner who has previously served in or is transitioning from the Australian Defence Force.
Jobs Academy is flexible, self-paced and completely free for participants.
When you’re in the Academy, you’ll connect with employers, receive advice from experts, and become part of a community with hundreds of other women who are also looking for work.
Jobs Academy was created by FW, an organisation that makes work fairer, better, and more accessible for women.
What's included in the program?
Your Dashboard
Access important announcements, upcoming events and a library of written, video and podcast resources to support your search for work.
A Learning Hub
A bank of self-guided courses that will help you articulate your skills and strengths, update or create a resume, navigate an evolving job market and more.
Mentoring & coaching
Delivered through small group workshops, inspirational webinars, and hosted by professionals who will boost your confidence and clarity.
Jobs & Skills Fairs
Webinars that connect you with employers, training organisations and pathway programs in a live online environment.
Community
Join our supportive Facebook community and receive a virtual ticket to the FW Leadership Summit, held in March.
Who is the Department of Veterans' Affairs intake for?
Participants in our intake supported by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs must be aged 18 years or older, live in Australia and:
- Have previously served in or are transitioning from the Australian Defence Force, or
- Have a partner who has previously served in or is transitioning from the Australian Defence Force.
Please note ‘service’ is defined as ‘one day of continuous full-time service in the Australian Defence Force’.
If Jobs Academy sounds like it may be helpful to you, we strongly encourage you to apply.
Applications for this intake close on 28 January, 2025.
About Jobs Academy
Jobs Academy was conceived during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw women reducing their hours of work or stop working altogether at a faster rate than men.
Recognising that the pandemic was prompting economic and workforce changes that threatened women’s equal participation in work, FW launched Jobs Academy.
Since then, Jobs Academy has supported more than 2,000 participants by delivering multiple intakes each year. We support employers who want to boost the number of women in their workforce or are facing serious labour shortages. The program contributes positively to Australia’s productivity and is helping reduce the gender employment gap. Its mission remains to support women who face barriers to work, find meaningful, secure and flexible jobs.
Our vision
That every Australian woman who wants paid work can be securely employed in a supportive and flexible environment, regardless of her personal circumstances or background.
Hear from our participants
"Being made redundant last year affected me beyond expectations right to my core. Jobs Academy, the virtual networking sessions and small group mentoring with incredible participants and mentors made me appreciate I wasn't alone, and I have more to contribute to the world in the future."
“The mentoring sessions, employer webinars and all the training webinars have been the most relevant and useful that I have ever had access to.”
“Connecting with amazing people and believing in myself in finding the next dream job is something I couldn't have done without Jobs Academy.”
“Hearing from and connecting with other women experiencing the same challenges has boosted my confidence. I feel I'm less alone in this journey of trying to build and grow a professional career and while juggling caring responsibilities.”
Veteran Employment Program
The Veteran Employment Program (VEP) demonstrates the importance the Government places on the skills, values and experience veterans bring to the civilian workplace.
The VEP improves support for veterans as they move from the Australian Defence Force to civilian employment, whether they want to work for an organisation or build their own business. It also helps Australian organisations create work environments that bring out the best in their veteran employees.
To learn more about the VEP, visit the Veteran Employment Program website.
Working hand-in-hand with industry
We partner with employers and recruitment agencies that are committed to creating supportive environments and helping women get back to work after a career break.
Proven results
The Jobs Academy pilot program has demonstrated both overwhelming demand and success.
Reported increased confidence
Started the job search
Secured a job and/or commenced study
Supported by
