The Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) is offering ten fully-funded Career Comeback Sponsorships, each worth up to $21,000, to eligible parents across Australia who are looking to re-enter the workforce.

Applications, which are open until 15 June, are available for parents and carers who are on a career break and have no role to return to, and can demonstrate a commitment to returning to the workforce and building a leadership career.

According to a recent OECD report, young women at home looking after children represent "the greatest untapped potential" in Australia's workforce. The AGSM Career Comeback sponsorships are primarily designed to encourage women back to the workplace and close the gender gap; however, both men and women are encouraged to apply.

According to Professor Julie Cogin, AGSM Director and Deputy Dean at the UNSW Business School, many people who have taken a career break lack the confidence to return to the workplace and those who wish to retrain can face financial or time constraints.

“A career break shouldn’t exclude intelligent, capable women from returning to the workplace. Offering a fully funded sponsorship allows them to build upon their existing skills, access professional networks and progress their careers,” says Professor Cogin.

Successful applicants can choose from one of four pathways designed to support different stages of a management career – from stepping up to the challenge of management for the first time, to pursuing a career in executive leadership. Following the course, participants gain an AGSM Certificate in Executive Management and Development, a professional development certification that will demonstrate the breadth and depth of participants’ management skills to future employers.

The pathways have been designed to offer flexibility, and applicants can take the courses at any available time throughout a two-year period. Successful applicants are also invited to join an exclusive professional network to leverage AGSM expertise and business connections. Through the network, candidates will have opportunities to attend networking events and receive career development advice.

“The career comeback sponsorships are a reflection of the AGSM’s commitment to removing employment barriers, increasing diversity in Australian organisations and contributing towards the development of future female business leaders,” said Professor Cogin.

Applications can be made on the AGSM website, and close on June 15.

About AGSM:

AGSM is the part of UNSW Business School is Sydney that offers global top-tier general management, executive and leadership development programs. AGSM’s rigorous MBA degrees and Short Courses are delivered across Australia and online. Our personally transforming MBA and MBA (Executive) programs are consistently ranked in the top 100 globally and our online MBA, the MBAX, is ranked 1st in Australia.