News

Through our years of supporting parents to set and achieve their goals, we’ve seen firsthand the challenges they face when taking the first step, whether it’s finding a job, starting a course, upskilling, or launching a business. That’s why we work alongside parents every step of the way, helping them break down barriers and access practical support to achieve their goals. 

Often, the biggest hurdle isn’t the work itself — it’s the mental block of “can I do this?” It’s completely normal to feel a dip in confidence after taking time away from study or work to focus on your family. The good news is, we’ve guided many parents through their individual journeys and watched them achieve goals they set for themselves and their families. 

Here are a couple of real life stories of that success. 

How Ashis turned determination into employment

When 23-year-old father Ashis joined Parent Pathways, he was facing the challenge of supporting his young family while feeling a sense of hopelessness. Having withdrawn from online study due to uncompleted tasks, he was unsure how to get back to his career and education.

From the start, his mentor Trevor worked with Ashis to identify barriers that were holding him back, including confidence, an outdated resume, English language challenges, and insufficient tools for successful study. Trevor also reached out to Ashis’ previous education provider to help him re-enrol in his Certificate III in Individual Support, at no extra cost. They agreed, and Trevor stayed in contact with Ashis to check in on his progress and support whenever needed. 

Ashis’ commitment was evident from the beginning. With Trevor’s guidance, he applied for part-time work, and quickly secured a role as a cleaner, working 18 hours a week. This first step was the most important one, providing income and a positive momentum for the future.

“The support of Parent Pathways and Trevor has been instrumental in helping me get back on track,” Ashis said.

His persistence and dedication soon led to a full-time opportunity as a forklift driver, pending on obtaining the necessary license. With support from Parent Pathways, Ashis enrolled in a forklift and white card course, paving the way for a stable, well-paid career. Today, Ashis is employed and has a clear trajectory toward further education and long-term stability, for him and his family.  

We’re so proud of Ashis’s huge achievements and are grateful to have played a part in his successes.

How Maria found confidence after a career break

For Maria*, rebuilding her confidence after years away from the workforce was her biggest challenge. A qualified nurse and devoted mum, she joined Parent Pathways after attending a local family and learning centre event, hoping to explore new job options that worked alongside her caring responsibilities.

Her mentor helped her update her resume and cover letter, develop interview skills, and identify flexible roles that suited her needs. Together, they explored childcare arrangements that could make part-time work feasible, and began applying for jobs that matched her experience and goals.

When Maria was offered a relief teaching position, her mentor made sure she had everything she needed to succeed — using the Parent Pathways Individual and Pooled Funds to cover six months of car registration, interview and work clothes, a new laptop, and a Microsoft 365 subscription.

With that foundation, Maria was able to step back into the classroom with confidence. The relief teaching role has allowed her to balance meaningful work with family life.

 * name has been changed for privacy reasons

How Parent Pathways can help

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