When Andreia joined ParentsNext in 2018, after five years of being a stay at home mum, she was looking for a way to support herself and her family independently.
The Perth mother was keen to establish financial independence and win her dream job - getting behind the driver’s wheel of a bus.
Thanks to help from her ParentsNext consultant Julie, from AtWork in Western Australia, she was able to complete her certified training and get the required bus driving certifications.
When a bus driver role was advertised Andreia worked with her provider to update her resume and submit her application.
Andreia was also able to access the Participation Fund, a flexible pool of funds available to ParentsNext providers, to pay for her Heavy Vehicle Licence.
Andreia secured a position with a transport company and is loving the opportunity, while being able to support herself and her family.
“I would like to thank Julie and the ParentsNext program for the support and assistance I received and would highly recommend this program to other parents looking to achieve their goals,” Andreia said.
Enhancements to the ParentsNext program were announced as part of the 2020-21 Federal Budget. From 1 July 2021, changes include:
- Streamlining eligibility requirements
- All ParentsNext providers will have flexible access to the Participation Fund to support participants to meet their education and employment goals. The fund can be used towards financial support for job preparation skills, training and other work-related expenses.
- Extending participant eligibility for relocation assistance and employer wage subsidies.
Over three years from 1 July 2021, the enhanced program is expected to assist around 235,000 parents, with women expected to represent approximately 95 per cent of all participants.
More information
Parents in the ParentsNext program will be contacted by their provider in the lead up to 1 July 2021 about how recent changes may impact them.
Find more information about ParentsNext.