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A Second Chance for Ruby Haines

23 November 2020
Jobs, Land and Economy
A close-up photo of a woman with black hair pulled back. In the background is a computer box and a certificate.

Women’s Business 2nd Chance Hub is supporting Indigenous women of Greater Western Sydney to get into the workforce or to begin their own business.

Sometimes things don’t go to plan and that’s where Women’s Business 2nd Chance Hub can provide assistance.

The Women’s Business: 2nd Chance (WB2C) Hub helps women at risk of being left behind to access quality educational and vocational training. This leads to opportunities to set up a business, a new and satisfying career or other employment outcomes.

Developed by Real Futures in partnership with UN Women, more than 150 women have registered for the program since it began in March this year.

23-year-old Ruby Haines lost her job when COVID-19 hit but found out about WB2C when visiting the Real Futures VTEC team in St. Mary’s, Sydney.

‘I was unsure in the beginning what to expect, but they were very helpful, being able to provide me with a phone so I could be contacted for job applications,’ Ruby said.

‘They supported me with getting all my clearances for pre-employment checks, and I used the hub space for Zoom interviews.’

Having secured a job as a Tenancy Advisor, she is now where she wants to be.

‘Working with and for Indigenous people has always been a dream of mine,’ Ruby said.

She plans to work her way up the industry ladder and said the experience has taught her a few important things.

‘My plans and attitude have changed since being in a job I love and enjoy,’ she said.

‘The most important thing I learned is to never give up, even when times get tough; still continue to push through and try your best,’ she said.

The Women’s Business 2nd Chance Hub pilot is part of the UN Women's Second Chance Education Programme, in partnership with BHP Foundation, and is operating in six countries around the globe.

At its online launch, the program received support from key dignitaries from UN Women and BHP Foundation. Video addresses were made by The Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon. Ken Wyatt MP as well as the Hon. Linda Burney MP,  Shadow Minister for Indigenous Australians and the Minister for Employment, Skills and Family and Small Business, the Hon. Michaelia Cash.

Find out more

For more information about the Women’s Business: Second Chance program, see the other two stories in the series: A Second Chance for Elaine Hickey and A Second Chance for Chantelle Baker.

Real Futures is a majority Aboriginal owned, controlled and managed Supply Nation Certified Company.