News

Everyone’s path looks different, but we know that returning to study, training, or work after raising children takes a good dose of courage, planning, and the right kind of support. At Parent Pathways, our goal is to make those next steps feel possible.

When you start your journey with Parent Pathways, you’ll get assigned a personal mentor. They’ll help you set achievable goals, find the right training or job opportunities, and overcome any practical barriers standing in the way. We aim to give you the tailored support you need, planning with you what you’d like to focus on. 

So, what does a Parent Pathways mentor actually do? Here are six ways they can help. 

Helping you set clear and realistic goals

Many parents come to us unsure about where to start. Together, we start to break your goals into smaller, realistic steps.

That might mean mapping out a study pathway that fits around school drop-offs, or identifying short-term goals like completing a certificate or volunteering to gain experience. Our mentors work closely with you to make sure each goal feels achievable, and that the plan suits your needs and confidence level.

Not sure how to get started on setting goals? Read more here: How to set goals and actually achieve them

Connecting you with training and job opportunities

We partner with local training providers, community organisations, and employers to help parents find opportunities that interest them. That could mean enrolling in a TAFE course, completing a language or literacy course, connecting with a local employment service, or maybe brushing up your resume and helping you prepare and practise for a job interview.

Our mentors provide hands-on support through every step, from sending resumes to filling out applications or finding out what qualifications are needed for a new role.

One parent we worked with had a passion for working with children, and wanted to pursue a career in youth care. With guidance from her mentor, she built a resume showcasing her transferable skills from parenting. She also worked to obtain her Blue Card and Disability Worker Screening. With her mentor’s help, she then enrolled in Certificate IV in Youth and Family intervention, and now works in the industry she dreamed of.  

Another parent we worked with wanted to start her own cleaning business. Her mentor helped her set up her ABN and organise everything she needed to launch her venture. 

Supporting your study or career transition

Starting something new often comes with mixed feelings of excitement and nerves. We stay in touch throughout the process, cheering you on and helping you navigate challenges as they come up.

This can look like checking in during the first few weeks of study, offering advice on managing coursework, or connecting you with peer support.

If you’re moving into a new job after time away, we can help with finding flexible work opportunities and sending job applications, as well as adjusting to new workplace routines and expectations.

We’re here for the ups, downs, and everything in between.

Helping you manage financial or practical barriers

Things like transport costs, workwear, or childcare arrangements can be big obstacles without the right support. 

Parent Pathways can help bridge those gaps so they don’t stand in the way of your progress. We’ve supported parents with everything from covering police checks and work equipment to helping arrange transport and covering car registration to help travel to and from work. 

Our mentors can support you even with obstacles that might seem small. For example,  when one parent needed glasses and protective gear for her nursing course, we helped cover the costs so she could complete her placement and continue her studies with confidence.

Finding childcare and family-friendly options

Balancing study or work with parenting responsibilities isn’t always easy. We can also help you explore childcare options that fit your circumstances and budget. This help can look like exploring local childcare providers, looking into government subsidies, or finding flexible study options that align with school hours.

Our aim is to make sure you don’t have to choose between caring for your children and building your future. With the right information and planning, both are possible.

Building confidence and communication skills

Confidence grows over time: it takes practice and challenging yourself regularly. We’ve seen it happen again and again with parents taking on opportunities they initially didn’t imagine possible.

Our mentors help build that confidence by providing encouragement, helping you find and define your unique skills, and communicate your strengths clearly.

We also help parents reflect on the experience and transferable skills they’ve already gained through parenting — like organisation, time management, and problem-solving — and show how these translate into valuable workplace experience.

When you start to see your potential, reaching any goals is possible. 

Support tailored to you

Reimagining your own life and goals after becoming a parent can feel overwhelming, even if you’re keen to step out of home and focus on something else again. If you’re looking for support and guidance, whether that’s preparing for interviews, finding different childcare options, or just having someone in your corner, Parent Pathways could help you. You can read more about eligibility here.