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.
Read more ParentsNext success stories
Thank you for donating to our successful 2023 CVGT Employment ParentsNext Toy Drive
Thanks to your generous contributions the 2023 CVGT Employment ParentsNext Toy Drive was a wonderful success. We received hundreds…
Nicole sets goals for her future
When Nicole connected with CVGT Employment ParentsNext, she was looking for direction. Identifying a career path, then knowing how…
ParentsNext makes ‘dream job’ possible for Tammy
When Tammy joined CVGT Employment ParentsNext in Wodonga, she needed support to re-enter the workforce. As a newly single…
ParentsNext program makes returning to work affordable for Melissa
Single mum Melissa joined the CVGT Employment ParentsNext program looking for support to “find a job that I am passionate…
CVGT Employment ParentsNext 2023 Toy Drive
Christmas is a time for joy and giving. In the spirit of spreading happiness, we are looking for toy…
Single-parent Jordan finds flexibility and financial freedom
For Jordan, being an unemployed single mum of two boys came with many financial challenges –paying bills, rent and…
Read more Workforce Australia success stories
Kathy’s journey to independence
Kathy’s drive to find a meaningful career has led her on a fascinating journey. With a varied work history…
No looking back for Jade
Here at CVGT Employment we support people from a whole range of different backgrounds to find meaningful work. Many…
Belinda making a difference in her neighbourhood
Neighbourhood houses are crucial organisations doing important work in houses in local communities across Australia. They provide education, support…
Helping Emma get her career back on track
Like many of the people we support here at CVGT Employment, Emma struggles with a mental health condition and…
An act of kindness – Community Chest donate sleeping bags to homeless participants
Conroy, CVGT Employment Workforce Australia participant, has been living on the streets in Wodonga. Thanks to the Albury Wodonga…
Ready, Set, Go! program inspires confidence in Workforce Australia participants to find work
The CVGT Employment Mildura office recently ran the ‘Ready, Set, Go! program’, a unique motivational and educational program designed…