Elsa beats lockdown challenges to launch career 

Lockdowns during 2020 and 2021 were particularly tough for people struggling to build a new career. 

But Elsa – a participant in our ParentsNext program – has been able, despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, to build her skills in the care industry and find meaningful work. 

“My confidence is boosted, and I am happily completing my education and enjoying my work,” she said. 

ParentsNext supports people to retrain and return to the workforce after having children. Participants work with a coach to create a plan and relaunch their career. 

Elsa, a single mother with three children, has been connected to CVGT Employment for a couple of years. 

“Initially, she participated in playgroup activities as her kids were still very young,” our ParentsNext manager at Broadmeadows, Varsha, said. 

“She was always being encouraged to upskill herself during contact appointments and offered financial assistance to do so through the participation funds available to her. 

“At first, she was aiming for cleaning jobs but later she decided to improve her English and upskill herself.”

Support available

Thanks to the support of CVGT Employment, Elsa got financial support to cover some expenses. This allowed her to start studying a Certificate III in individual support. 

That course then led to an employment opportunity. Elsa lacked experience and was not yet fully qualified, but CVGT supported her employer by offering wage subsidy to secure her job. 

“Elsa is a very energetic and hardworking student, she is very dedicated to her study and work,” her course trainer Bushra said. 

“She’s very enthusiastic and passionate about reaching her dreams and becoming an independent woman to raise her kids and establish a good life.”

Dynamic participant

Elsa is now working part time and continuing with her studies. Her aim is to increase her working hours after completing her studies. 

“Elsa has always been a very dynamic participant with good personality and a big dream,” her ParentsNext coach Siham said. 

“Being her coach and working with her is a great pleasure.” 

Elsa has thanked those who’ve supported her to boost her confidence and start a new career. 

“The ParentsNext program helped me get through hard time during the lockdown,” she said. 

“It is a program that I was relying on whenever I needed someone to listen to me and to get advice from and to get financial support. 

“My education and work are all thanks to the support I got from the program and my ParentsNext coach.”

To learn more about the options available to help you find meaningful employment, talk to our team on 132 848.