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A confident new start for Mikaela
When Mikaela Riley-Edmonds joined CVGT Employment’s Parent Pathways program in December 2024, she was aiming for financial stability but still figuring out which career path suited her. She explored Early Education and Care, Aged Care and Traffic Control, but the cost of training and her low confidence made the next step feel out of reach. With two young boys to care for, she needed a pathway that offered flexibility and genuine support.
I wasn’t feeling confident enough to take that stand for myself, always thinking I’d be a stay‑at‑home mum forever.
Mikaela Riley-Edmonds
CVGT Employment Parent Pathways Participant
Everything changed when she met CVGT Employment Parent Pathways Mentor, Penny Curran.
Support that fits around family life
Mikaela attended the CVGT Employment Wodonga office, where she immediately felt comfortable. “It is very friendly and welcoming to all.”
With school runs and a busy home schedule, flexibility was essential, and the Parent Pathways program is designed to support parents in that way. “Penny has been very understanding of my family commitments.”
Together, they rebuilt Mikaela’s confidence, planned career goals and secured the resources she needed to move forward, including funding work shoes and training.
“Penny has done way more than just support me through this program. If it wasn’t for her, I’d still be stuck in the rut I was in.”
Training, employment and growing confidence
Penny referred Mikaela to the Skills First Reconnect Program at Wodonga TAFE, a mentoring program that helps people reconnect with training and work pathways.
While considering several career options, Mikaela gained employment as a Liquor Team Member at BWS, with hours that fit comfortably around caring for her boys.
At the same time, she completed a Traffic Control Combo course with WILS Training Pty Ltd, choosing this path because it aligned with her family life and long‑term goals. “Traffic control will be my life choice in a career.”
With the financial pressure eased, her Mentor Penny saw her transform.
“It was very rewarding watching Mikaela become empowered and more motivated when achieving her goals, furthering her education and gaining steady employment,” Penny says.
Empowered, employed and moving forward
With steady work, new qualifications and fresh motivation, Mikaela is now moving forward with confidence and a clear sense of direction.
She credits much of her progress to Parent Pathways Mentor Penny.
“Penny has been my biggest support through all of this, and I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for her motivation and commitment to me, my life and family.
“She’s made me aware of what I can do and that I can do anything I put my mind to.”
And she wants other parents to know they can do it too.
Parent Pathways is great for anyone wanting to thrive in their choice of career, and it’s the push and motivation that we need with our busy family lives.
Mikaela Riley-Edmonds
CVGT Employment Parent Pathways Participant
Mikaela’s story shows that with the right support, confidence grows, options open and new opportunities become possible.
“Parent Pathways helps parents take that first step — no matter how long they’ve been out of the workforce, and no matter how unsure they may feel,” says Penny Curran, CVGT Employment Parent Pathways Mentor.
When you’re ready, we’ll be here.
Connect to CVGT Employment Parent Pathways.
Volunteer to join our Parent Pathways service when you’re ready to take your next step.
Express your interest to join via this form or learn more by calling 132 848.