Hudson is proud to partner with FW (Future Women), supporting initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes for women and gender diverse people and contribute to a stronger, more inclusive Australian workforce.

Through this partnership, Hudson supports both Jobs Academy, which helps women re-enter the workforce with confidence and capability, and the FW Leadership Summit 2026, which brings together leaders shaping the future of work and leadership.

Together, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to workforce participation, inclusive leadership and long-term economic impact.

 

What is Jobs Academy? 

Jobs Academy is a free, year-long, fully virtual program designed to support women and gender-diverse people as they return to work, study or training following a career break.

The program provides structural, practical support to help participants build confidence, clarify career direction and strengthen job-ready capability. Through a combination of learning resources, mentoring and employer engagement, Jobs Academy supports sustainable workforce re-entry and long-term employment outcomes.

 

How Hudson supports Jobs Academy participants

As an employer partner, Hudson actively supports Jobs Academy participants by contributing practical, workforce-focused expertise.

This includes:

• Individual resume mentoring delivered by Hudson’s specialist consultants, supporting participants across a wide range of sectors and role types
• Career insight and guidance to help participants translate experience, transferable skills and career breaks into compelling applications
• Connecting Hudson clients with an often untapped talent pool, particularly where traditional approached are not delivering results

For organisations able to offer flexibility in work arrangements including part-time, hybrid or remote options, Jobs Academy participants represent a highly skilled and motivated cohort. Hudson works with clients to help them access this talent and redesign roles where appropriate to meet both business and workforce needs.

 

Who are Jobs Academy participants?

Jobs Academy supports a diverse and experienced group of women and gender-diverse people across Australia. Jobs Academy participants are looking to enter or re-enter the workforce.

Participant insights include:

• Participants are ages 18+, with 81% being between 40-59
• 32% identify as culturally and linguistically diverse
• 6% are First Nations
• Participants are located Australia wide, with 33% living in a regional, rural or remote area
• 45% have unpaid caring responsibilities

In terms of workforce status, 40% have had a career break of +1 year.

This profile reflects a highly capable cohort with strong work experience, navigating complex transitions back into paid work.

 

Barriers participants face when returning to work

Participants consistently cite structural barriers when re-entering the workforce, including:

1. Limited availability of flexible work, including part-time and remote options
2. Perceived employer bias, particularly relating to career breaks and age
3. Lack of recognition of transferable skills, especially for those seeking career changes

Jobs Academy and their employer partners help participants navigate these barriers by building confidence, reframing experience and connecting capability to real workforce demand.

 

Jobs Academy outcomes: measurable and long-term

The impact of Jobs Academy is supported by strong, consistent outcomes.

In the past year – 1,500 women were supported through the program

Since launching four years ago – More than 4,100 women have participated nationally

Employment outcomes demonstrate long-term success:

• 50–72% of participants return to work or study
• 82% of pilot participants remained employed three years after completing the program

Participants also receive practical capability support, including individual mentoring, with 100% reporting increased confidence in resume writing and interview skills.

These results highlight the value of well-designed workforce re-entry programs that prioritise sustainable employment, not short-term placement.

 

Supporting leadership through the FW Leadership Summit 2026

Hudson’s partnership with FW also includes support for the FW Leadership Summit 2026, a national forum focused on inclusive leadership, workforce design and career progression.

The Summit brings together leaders to explore how organisations can:

• Redesign leadership pathways
• Support diverse talent
• Build future-ready workplaces

As part of this partnership, Kimberley Hubble, Head of Talent Solutions at Hudson, will be a speaker at the 2026 Summit.

With more than 35 years’ experience across the talent and recruitment industry, Kimberley has led large-scale organisations across Asia Pacific and partnered with businesses to create inclusive, future-ready workforces. Her leadership approach is grounded in psychology, governance and a deeply people-first perspective.

 

Why gender participation matters to Australia’s workforce

Supporting women into paid work and leadership roles delivers benefits contributing not only to individual outcomes but to abating critical skills shortages and improving the gender balance in male-dominated industries.

Closing the gender participation gap could add up to $128 billion to Australia’s economy, making gender equality a workforce issue, a leadership issue and an economic issue.

Through our partnership with FW, Hudson supports initiatives that combine advocacy with action delivering measurable outcomes while contributing to broader conversations about the future of work.

 

About Hudson’s partnership with FW

Hudson’s partnership with FW reflects a shared commitment to creating opportunities for women to thrive at work and supporting workplaces to make that possible.

By supporting both Jobs Academy and the FW Leadership Summit, the partnership addresses critical transition points from re-entering the workforce to stepping into leadership.

If you would like to learn more about how Hudson partners with FW, contact us.