EmpowerHer Pathways at Mai-Wel
Confidence, skills, and real pathways for women into high-growth industries
On Friday 12 September 2025, Mai-Wel hosted an EmpowerHER workshop in partnership with Career Links, bringing women together to build confidence, map goals, and discover practical pathways into high-growth industries across the Hunter.
Career Links opened the day by introducing EmpowerHER Pathways, government-funded initiative supporting women of all ages and backgrounds to explore careers in sectors such as clean energy, advanced manufacturing, construction, and digital/technology.
The program combines tailored career guidance, short industry-aligned training (including free micro-skills), and direct connections with local employers. It forms part of the Australian Government’s Building Women’s Careers program, designed to grow women’s participation in traditionally male-dominated fields and address regional skills needs.
Confidence in action
In addition to hearing from Career Links, Liz Murray from Edge of Possibilities led an energising session on confidence, purpose and self-belief. Participants worked through prompts to identify where self-doubt shows up, name past moments that proved their capability, and list their supporters. A key takeaway was reframing failure as feedback, and understanding the value and growth feedback can offer.
We also heard from Helena from Atwea College who guided participants through skills mapping and goal-setting, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to evidence experience, and aligning goals with timeframes and outcomes. She outlined certificate options available through Atwea and other providers to build momentum toward work or further study.
Following this, participants engaged in a short, hands-on segment covering managing personal finances and protecting personal data, giving participants clear steps they can take immediately while preparing for employment or training.
Micro-skills and industry focus
Career Links highlighted free online micro-skills (via TAFE and partners) as low-barrier entry points that can stack toward bigger goals, particularly in clean energy, construction, advanced manufacturing, digital/IT.
They also highlighted how AI is becoming more prevalent in recruitment and how it is important to understand how hiring is changing and to use new tools to your advantage.
EmpowerHER Pathways
EmpowerHER’s model of career counselling, short, accredited training, and industry immersion responds directly to workforce needs in the Hunter while widening access for women and under-represented groups. It’s built to be practical and connected to real jobs, not just information sessions.
Mai-Wel is proud to partner with Career Links to provide these opportunities to our participants and also the wider community in our region.
Find out more about EmpowerHER Pathways via Career Links.
