Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      

Transforming Lives Through Employment Opportunities

Breaking Barriers to Employment in Sydney

A record check doesn’t define a woman’s story. At Success Works, we focus on creating opportunities for women to look forward, not back. Through our programs and partnerships, we support women impacted by the justice system to access meaningful jobs and get fair chances in order to overcome employment barriers and build a brighter future.

How We Help

Mentoring Program

Our mentoring program connects participants with mentors who share practical advice and guidance. From preparing applications to interview tips, we make the process easier.

Job Readiness Workshops

Employer Engagement

We partner with trusted Sydney-based businesses to create job opportunities for women with a criminal record by foregrounding their value, not their past record.

Advocacy for Change

Volunteer Opportunities

Join Our Movement

Looking for Employment?

We’ve onboarded 264 women and successfully placed 115 into employment. Let us guide you on your path to success.

Seeking Skilled Candidates?

Employers, collaborate with us to fill roles with talented women. Together, we can build inclusive workplaces that focus on skills, not records.

Become a Partner

Share your experience and skills to support women impacted by the justice system. Mentor someone and be part of a life-changing journey.

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Every Woman Has a Story

Meet Tash, one of the many women who has turned a new leaf in life with the help of Success Works.

“After struggling to secure stable work due to my record, I found hope through Success Works. They helped me rebuild confidence and find a role where my skills were valued—not judged. Now, I can provide for my family and live with dignity.”

– Tash, Candidate

Our Vision for a Brighter Future

Access to meaningful employment is a human right. By breaking down barriers, we break the cycle of disadvantage, reduce recidivism, and help women with a criminal record reintegrate into society, building stronger families and communities as a result.

Why Choose Success Works?

Proven Impact

Over 264 women supported since 2022.

Expertise

A team with lived experience of the justice system.

Culturally Safe Approach

We embrace diversity and challenge discriminatory practices.

Trusted Partnerships

Join our growing network of justice-friendly employers.

FAQs

Can I apply for jobs if I have a criminal record?

Yes. Having a record does not mean you are excluded from job opportunities. Many industries value skills, experience, and a willingness to move forward. 

At Success Works, we connect women impacted by the criminal justice system to meaningful employment opportunities by working with employers who recognise potential over past records. Through mentoring, job readiness workshops, and employer partnerships, we help women build confidence and secure fair employment. Explore our Resources page for more details. 

What types of jobs can you get with a criminal record in Australia?

The types of jobs available depend on the industry and the nature of the role. Some sectors are more open to fair hiring practices and focus on your skills, not your past. These include: 

  • Trades & Construction: Labouring, painting, plumbing, and electrical work. 
  • Hospitality & Retail: Customer service in cafes, restaurants, hotels, and stores. 
  • Manufacturing & Warehousing: Jobs in packaging, assembly, logistics, and transport. 
  • Self-Employment: Freelancing, cleaning services, hairdressing, and online businesses. 

We at Success Works help women identify roles that suit their skills and interests while connecting them with employers committed to fair hiring. Register with us today if you’re seeking employment. 

How does Success Works assist women impacted by the justice system?

We believe everyone deserves a fair go. Our approach ensures that women impacted by the justice system can access meaningful job opportunities that help them move forward. We provide: 

  • Mentoring: One-on-one guidance to build confidence and navigate employment challenges. 
  • Job Readiness Workshops: Covering resume writing, interview preparation, and workplace skills. 
  • Employer Partnerships: Connecting women with inclusive businesses looking for skilled candidates. 
  • Advocacy: Working to reduce employment barriers and change perceptions about hiring women with a criminal record. 

Explore our Jobseekers page to understand how our program works. 


Do you partner with employers for jobs for women with criminal record?

Yes! Success Works collaborates with businesses across Sydney to provide fair hiring opportunities. We work with employers who: 

  • Recognise the value of diverse hiring. 
  • Focus on skills and experience over past records. 
  • Offer inclusive workplaces where women can thrive. 

By partnering with us, businesses gain access to talented candidates while making a meaningful impact.  

If you’re an employer interested in fair hiring, learn more at Success Works Employer Partnerships


Can I volunteer to mentor women with justice system involvement?

Absolutely! Mentorship is paramount when helping women regain confidence and build their careers. As a mentor, you can: 

  • Guide job seekers through resume building and interview preparation. 
  • Provide career advice and workplace insights. 
  • Offer encouragement and support as they re-enter the workforce. 

If you’d like to make a difference, visit the Success Works Mentoring Program page to learn how you can get involved. 

Do you offer programs for women seeking jobs with a criminal record?

Yes! Success Works offers structured programs designed to support women with a criminal record in finding meaningful employment. Here’s how it works: 

  • Referral & Application: We assess program fit and ensure candidates receive tailored support based on their career goals. 
  • Candidate Job Ready Training: We provide onboarding, job training, and skill development to prepare women for the workforce. 
  • Candidate Career Pathways: We help job seekers identify the right career options, improve job search skills, and set achievable goals. 
  • Mentoring Program: Candidates are matched with experienced mentors who offer guidance, encouragement, and support throughout the job search process. 
  • Employment & Training Support: We offer pre-hire support and assistance during further training (such as VET/RTO programs) to help women transition smoothly into their roles. 
  • Post-Hire Support: Even after securing a job, we continue to provide ongoing support for both candidates and employers to ensure a successful, long-term placement. 

Our programs aim to reduce employment barriers and create fair opportunities for women to re-enter the workforce with confidence. 


Contact Us Today

Whether you’re a jobseeker, employer, referral partner, or aspiring mentor, we’re here for you. Let’s work together to create a world where women with a record are valued for their potential.

This organisation is really about helping women get back on their feet and helping them get employment generally. I just thought it was a miracle that you could book appointments and workshops and I’m just like, “oh my God somebody that I can talk to”. So I emailed straight away and I got an email back within two hours.

Success Works Candidate

They gave me just so much hope that I could get through this. I was feeling pretty suicidal before all of this. I’d ruined my life. In every way, I’d destroyed everything that I had worked for. My career, everything. It was the first time I actually felt I can get through this and there’ll be some help there and it’s help with just that non-judgement.

Success Works Candidate

Having staff that have come out of the system is brilliant. You need to have somebody that you identify with. That was the thing that made me actually just really buck up and go okay, I can do this because knowing other people have done it. Success Works without that I wouldn’t be thinking like this. I would be under the blanket. I could barely get out of bed each day.

Success Works Candidate

I thought they know how I feel and that gave me the confidence to actually apply for jobs. I would have put it off until the bracelet (electronic ankle tag) came off, and then I would have been out six months and then I think my confidence would have got worse, and it would have been a bigger step to climb. So, I think for me, that whole Success Works program… that gave me the confidence.

Success Works Candidate

I am doing everything I can to move on. These barriers keep popping up and won’t allow me to move on.

Success Works Candidate

For me, the Success Works program was the first glimmer of hope where I felt I could talk to someone who understood how I was feeling and where I was at in my head. Because I didn’t know how to ask people, what are the barriers? You get a cold sentence and some guidelines from your probation officer, but that’s the justice system, they want to punish you as much as they can.

Success Works Candidate

We hear from the candidates in their own words. We look at the whole person, not just their history, and make a judgement call based on that. A lot of the cases we have had have been due to some intimate partner and domestic violence situations. To be able to give those women a new beginning and a chance to reclaim their lives and their independence is a great thing. The way Success Works enables companies like Winc to be able to support these women throughout this journey is just fantastic.

Hayley Scott, Head of Social Impact for Winc

I think going to Success Works gave me the confidence. If it hadn’t been for the fact that I thought they know how I feel and giving me the confidence to actually apply for jobs, I would have put it off until the bracelet (electronic ankle tag) came off, and then I would have been out for six months and then I think my confidence would have got worse, and it would have been a bigger step to climb. So I think for me, the whole Success Works program, that gave me the confidence.

Success Works Candidate

My mentor helped me a lot these past few weeks and dedicated one hour every week with me over teams. She was also available to speak with me any time I needed advice. Her advice was very solid, helpful and genuine. I just found a full time admin role and I wanted to thank you all for mentoring and supporting me these past few months. What you have taught me is invaluable and I cannot express my gratitude enough. I got so much out of the workshops and mock interviews. Thank you Success Works for motivating me and inspiring me to keep moving forward.

Jade, Success Works Candidate

Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      Your Potential, Not Your Record      

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