A year after launching the innovative program for women, The Encoreship, led by Alpha-H, returns and expands in 2022 with increased impact.
Launched in 2021, the initiative brings together a collective of likeminded Australian brands, who together offered seven 3-month paid placements in their organisations.
In 2022, the program will offer 11 roles Australia wide, with the original collective of five brands returning (including Adore Beauty, Mamamia, DISSH and Ettitude), alongside new partners – Wittner, Who Gives A Crap, Gritty Pretty and Six Degrees Executive.
The program provides women with work experience, creates connections, builds confidence, and ultimately delivers a platform to secure future employment.
Alpha-H chief commercial officer, Tina Randello explains that continuing in 2022 was essential based on the feedback from both the ‘Encorers’ and brands in its inaugural year.
"This program not only gives women a chance to update their skills and build their confidence, but also raises necessary awareness with employers to not rule out candidates that may have an extended gap in their CV. Our ambitious goal is to create workplaces where it is the norm that businesses make space for women to re-enter."
Led by Alpha-H, the idea for the program was initially triggered as a result of the disproportionate negative impact of COVID-19 on female employment in 2021.
As Alpha-H explored the concept, it unearthed not only a wider systemic issue, but a necessary longer term and urgent need to support women who choose or were forced out of employment for various reasons.
The interest from Australian women made evident the very need for this type of initiative, with over 230 applications submitted in 2021.
The 2021 program highlighted that a break from the workforce was most frequently related to parenthood and inability for workplaces to offer flexible conditions for working mothers.
"As a mother myself, I recognise the change that occurs in some women’s lives – from being career-focused to raising a family and then returning to the workforce sometime later," Gritty Pretty founder, Eleanor Pendleton shares.
"Gritty Pretty wants to create opportunities for women, especially mothers, that allows them to not just survive but thrive in a flexible working environment that supports family life while also providing an outlet that fosters confidence within themselves and their career passions."
You can learn more about The Encoreship, here.
