Support for Parents Returning to Work: How Parent Pathways Can Help

Returning to work after children?

Returning to work after having children is no easy task, and it’s completely natural to feel all of the emotions – overwhelmed, worried, excited or guilty, or all of the above! Between caring for young children, managing household responsibilities and constant financial pressures, many parents aren’t sure where to begin when they are ready to “get back out there”.

That’s where Parent Pathways comes in – an Australian Government-funded program delivered by Enterprise & Training Company (ETC) to support parents returning to work, study or personal development.

Find out if you’re eligible for the Parent Pathway Program.

What is the Parent Pathways Program?

Parent Pathways is a free and voluntary support service aimed at helping parents and carers of children under six work toward personal, study, or employment goals. 

The program connects parents with a qualified ETC mentor who provides personalised guidance based on their individual circumstances and aspirations. For many parents considering returning to work after children, this one-on-one guidance can provide the confidence and direction needed to take the next step.

Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, Parent Pathways focuses on the goals that matter most to each parent. Whether someone wants to build confidence, explore education options, or prepare for future employment, the program is designed to provide flexible support for parents returning to work in a way that fits around family life.

Who can access Parent Pathways?

Parent Pathways is designed to provide support for parents returning to work or study after having children.

Eligible participants may include:

• Parents or carers with children under 6 years of age
• Individuals not currently in paid employment
• Parents receiving certain Centrelink payments
• Early school leavers under 22
• First Nations parents

ETC delivers the Parent Pathways program in several South East Queensland locations, including the Gold Coast, Brisbane South-East, and Somerset regions.

If you’re returning to work after children or exploring new opportunities, Parent Pathways may be able to support you.

Complete our Enquiry Form to see if you’re eligible.

How Parent Pathways supports parents returning to work

Many parents returning to work after children are looking for guidance, flexibility, and encouragement. Parent Pathways offers support designed specifically for parents navigating life with young children in the following ways:

1. Personalised Support From an ETC Mentor

Participants are paired with a qualified ETC mentor who works with them one-on-one to understand their goals, interests, and circumstances.

Together, they develop a flexible plan that may include steps toward education, skills development, or preparing for employment. The support provided is unique and tailored to each participant’s needs.

2. Flexible and Family-Friendly Support

ETC recognises that parenting responsibilities come first, providing the utmost flexibility. Your Parent Pathways appointments can be made in-person, online or over the phone, and children are more than welcome to join you!

Participants can also join, leave, or take a break from the program at any time, making it a flexible option that adapts to changing circumstances.

3. Support With Study and Training

Exploring study or training can be an important step for parents looking to refresh their skills or gain new qualifications before returning to work after children. 

With extensive experience delivering nationally recognised training programs, ETC is well-positioned to support study or training for parents, helping participants explore education options, identify suitable training programs, and connect with courses that support their long-term goals.

4. Connecting Parents With Practical Support

In addition to education and employment guidance, Parent Pathways can help parents access other forms of support that make returning to work after children more achievable.

This may include:

• Childcare services 
• Financial support
• Community services
• Language or literacy programs
• Referrals to specialist support services

This holistic approach ensures parents receive necessary support at home to make the transition back into employment or study more manageable.

Why choose Enterprise & Training Company (ETC)

For parents exploring Parent Pathways, working with an organisation that understands employment, training, and parenting support services can be valuable. ETC brings decades of experience helping people build skills, confidence, and pathways to work.

Here’s why many parents choose ETC:

• We have over 35 years of experience in supporting individuals and families in our communities.

• In addition to Parent Pathways, ETC delivers a range of government-funded programs that help people move into work, training, or self-employment

• As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 6998), ETC offers courses and traineeships in areas such as Community Services, Hospitality, Business, and Retail.

• Through programs like Skills for Education and Employment (SEE), ETC helps participants build literacy, numeracy, and digital skills needed for study and work.

• Dedicated Indigenous employment support – ETC has an Indigenous Services Team that provides culturally responsive, personalised support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander job seekers

• As a community-focused organisation, ETC actively supports social impact initiatives, including First Nations reconciliation, youth engagement programs, and partnerships with local organisations.

Take the first step with Parent Pathways

If you’re considering returning to work after children, starting a course, or exploring new opportunities, Parent Pathways can help!

Learn more about Parent Pathways and register your interest today!