There’s a quiet moment that many parents recognise. It might come after school drop-off, during nap time, or late at night when the house is finally still. It’s the moment where a question surfaces: What’s next for me?
For many mums and carers across the Gold Coast and Somerset Region, returning to work, study, or training isn’t just about employment services. It’s about rebuilding confidence, finding balance, and stepping back into a version of themselves that exists alongside parenthood.
That’s where Parent Pathways comes in, an Australian Government-funded program delivered by ETC to support parents returning to work, study or personal development.
Designed for parents and carers of children under six, the program connects participants with a qualified ETC Mentor for tailored, one-on-one support.
For parents unsure where to begin, ETC Mentor Janine White from our Gold Coast centre explains:
“I work alongside parents and carers on the Gold Coast to help them feel confident taking their next step, whether that’s training, study, work or working through barriers. A lot of my role is listening, encouraging, and helping them break big goals into manageable steps.”
You can access Parent Pathways through various ETC locations in Brisbane South-East, Somerset, and Gold Coast regions or by registering through your MyGov account and completing the eligibility checks through Services Australia.
Find out if you’re eligible and enquire here.
On the Gold Coast, ETC Mentor Janine sees how complex it can feel to engage with employment services after having children.
“Many parents experience self-doubt after time away from work or study and worry about finding flexible opportunities,” Janine explains.
In Somerset, ETC Mentor Hannah Gardner supports parents facing additional challenges, including transport, housing, and access to family support services.
“Parents are often juggling multiple responsibilities while trying to find stability,” Hannah says.
Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, ETC Mentors provide flexible, personalised employment services that fit around everyday life.
For many parents, work-life balance isn’t something to achieve – it’s something to constantly manage.
That’s why Parent Pathways focuses on flexible, realistic steps that sit alongside family life rather than competing with it.
ETC Mentors support parents by exploring:
“We focus on flexible options that suit Gold Coast life,” Janine says. “Part-time study, local training, or employers open to flexibility – so it feels achievable, not overwhelming.”
For some parents, especially those exploring how to return to work as a mum, the first step isn’t employment at all. It may be starting a short course through ETC’s Registered Training Organisation (RTO 6998), or simply rebuilding routine and confidence.
Over time, small steps build momentum.
“Confidence is the biggest change,” Janine reflects. “You see parents start believing in themselves again and feeling proud of what they’re capable of achieving.”
Across the Gold Coast and Somerset Region, ETC’s employment services through Parent Pathways are creating steady, meaningful change.
In 2025:
These outcomes reflect more than participation; they show confidence growing and new pathways opening.
For ETC Mentor Kiera in Brisbane South East, one experience reflects the deeper impact of these employment services.
She supported a mother of seven who had clear goals but lacked confidence in achieving them. Kiera recognised her natural strengths and encouraged her to consider a mentoring role within ETC.
Over a few months, her confidence grew, and she stepped into the role herself. Today, she supports other parents to recognise their own potential.
On the Gold Coast, ETC Mentor Janine recalls supporting a mum who believed work or study wasn’t possible due to language barriers.
With support and a pronunciation course, her confidence improved, leading to flexible work and a shift in how she saw herself.
“Moments like that are why this work matters so much,” Janine says.
These stories reflect what strong employment services can achieve – not just outcomes, but renewed belief in what’s possible.
For ETC Mentors, providing employment services is only part of the picture.
Supporting families means recognising the emotional, financial, and practical pressures that come with parenting, especially during life transitions.
“It’s a reminder of how much parents carry every day,” Janine says. “Supporting families means recognising their effort and helping them put themselves back on the priority list too.”
Kiera adds that recognition is especially important during moments like Families Week or Mother’s Day, when the invisible work of parenting can often go unacknowledged.
“So many mums put their goals and wellbeing on hold,” she explains. “It’s about helping them reconnect with themselves and feel valued again.”
For parents thinking about their next step, whether that’s returning to work or exploring study options, Parent Pathways offers a flexible and supportive starting point to help you progress at your own pace, with guidance from experienced ETC Mentors.
Explore how Parent Pathways can help > https://etcltd.com.au/parent-pathways/
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