Programs targeting high school-aged girls who hope to pursue STEM-based careers will soon launch in Australia.

Western Sydney Women and Mentoring Women will be rolling out the Women in Aviation, The Future is Bright and Ladies Who Lead initiatives nationwide to raise awareness of and support entry into aviation careers.

Women’s advocacy group Western Sydney Women has received funding under the federal government’s women’s leadership and development program to help them launch two new programs encouraging women’s careers in STEM.

Western Sydney Women Founder Amanda Rose says there is an “entire cohort of women” who want to work and could ease the labour shortage.

“We have an entire cohort of women 45 plus that might need some up-skilling or encouragement but they’re willing and able so let’s bring them in and give them a shot,” she told Sky News Australia.

On Tuesday 16th November 2021, the annual Western Sydney Women Awards brought together women at all stages of their lives, business and careers across Inner West, Great West, North West & South West of Sydney to celebrate their achievements.