How Parent Pathways helped two parents kickstart their new careers
Every parent’s path back to work or study looks different. For some, it’s about rediscovering a passion that was put on pause, and for others, it’s about finding something new to pursue. Returning to work when you also have other caregiving responsibilities isn’t always easy and takes support to get started.
Parent Pathways is all about helping parents find confidence, direction, and the resources they need to take their next step. Just ask Toniesha and Erinn — two mums who turned uncertainty into opportunity with the help of their mentors.
Finding confidence to study again: Toniesha’s story
When Toniesha joined Parent Pathways in late 2024, she had a strong interest in becoming a nurse and was preparing to start her Bachelor of Nursing degree in March 2025. As a full-time mum to two young children aged one and three, she initially worried about the extra expenses that came with studying.
Through Parent Pathways, Toniesha was able to access both practical and financial support. Her mentors, Maddie and Michelle, guided her through the process, helping her access funding for essentials like textbooks, a respirator mask and fitting, and her police check and disability worker screening. Parent Pathways funding also covered prescription glasses, which meant she could read better while studying and completing her exams.
Toniesha’s journey shows just how important that support can be for parents balancing family and study.
“I was concerned about not having the support, however NJL has gone above and beyond to ensure I have. NJL was able to alleviate a lot of the additional stress that comes with starting study and being a mum,” Toniesha says.
With support behind her, she’s now focused on achieving her goal of becoming a nurse. We’re proud of her journey and can’t wait to see her achieve her future goals.
Turning a dream into a business: Erinn’s story
Erinn’s goal looked a little different. Living with significant health challenges, she wanted to channel her energy into something positive and productive.
“Being a single parent has always been the main obstacle, and NJL has been there to support me in my journey and keep me focused on my goal, which was to start my own business,” she says.
With her mentor Michelle’s help, Erinn began laying the groundwork for her own cleaning business. Together, they researched and organised quotes for carpet cleaning equipment, uniforms, and business cards. Erinn registered her ABN, built a client list through NDIS connections, and worked closely with Michelle to finalise her branding.
With her new business cards in hand and cleaning equipment ready to go, Erinn is well on her way to launching her business.
Reflecting on the experience, she says: “I am grateful for the support that Parent Pathways and my mentor have provided me to get my business started. I would like to thank National Joblink for the support they have given me and for buying my equipment.”
Her mentor also provided ongoing check-ins to discuss health and wellbeing, ensuring Erinn didn’t feel overwhelmed by the process and had the reassurance she needed at each step.
Small steps towards success
Toniesha and Erinn’s stories may look different, but they share the same strengths: resilience, determination, and the power of having the right support at the right time.
For parents, success might mean starting a degree, building a business, upskilling, completing your drivers license, or simply researching options for what’s next. Whatever the goal, Parent Pathways can help make it achievable with personalised support, and mentors who listen and guide you throughout the process of achieving your goals.
If you need support in figuring out your next step, you can read more about eligibility and how Parent Pathways can help from our website.
*Photo used is unrelated to the people discussed in the story
