A program that provides parents of young children access to training and support to become job-ready is expanding nationally.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The federal government's ParentsNext program is operated by CatholicCare.
The Shellharbour LGA was one of its pilot areas.
Since opening its doors in Shellharbour in May 2016, ParentsNext has assisted 66 people to achieve their education or employment goal, with others still working to achieve their aims.
Barrack Heights resident Aisha Gollan, a single mother to two young girls, had no formal training.
She said she gained the support and confidence needed to attain a Diploma in Human Resources via ParentsNext.
Ms Gollan was unable to attend the program’s official launch at Shellharbour on Monday, but said it had been beneficial for her.
“Although I had an idea of the course that I wanted to do, all I needed was that bit of extra support, the kind that made me feel comfortable to pursue my goal,” the 30-year-old said.
“It is a support system to get you where you want to go; giving you the resources, time and experience from the people who are there to help.
“My biggest problem is having a lack of experience, especially in administration.
“It’s hard to get that experience when no one is giving you the opportunity, so for me that is going to be my next step to overcome… But they have done wonders for me.”
Ms Gollan is now in the process of completing a Diploma of Leadership and Management to further equip her to one day secure a job in human resources.
As part of the nationwide rollout from July 1, CatholicCare has retained the Shellharbour ParentsNext location and will also operate in Wollongong, Dapto, Kiama, Moss Vale, Nowra, Sanctuary Point and Ulladulla.