From uncertainty to a career she loves

When Faith first connected with Parent Pathways at CVGT Employment, she had a dream of building a career in early childhood education. Like many parents, however, balancing family responsibilities and the cost of studying made that dream feel difficult to achieve.

Finding the right path

Faith knew she wanted to study, but she wasn’t sure how to make it work alongside her responsibilities as a parent.

“I was worried that I wouldn’t find a good work life balance and the cost of courses being really expensive.”

With no childcare arrangements in place and uncertainty about the costs involved, taking the next step towards a qualification seemed overwhelming. That’s where Parent Pathways stepped in.

Working closely with Faith, her CVGT Employment mentor Penny, provided personalised support tailored to her goals, circumstances and caring responsibilities. Flexible appointments, including phone appointments when needed, ensured support was available when it suited her.

Breaking down barriers

Together, Faith and her Penny explored study options and identified practical supports that would help her succeed.

Parent Pathways helped managed the costs involved with wanting to study and informed me of the suitable pathways for me to take in order for me to take on studying.
Faith
CVGT Employment Parent Pathways participant

Penny helped Faith enrol in a fee-free Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care and provided assistance with the essential costs associated with studying and starting work.

“Parent Pathways helped managed the costs of first aid training, working with children’s check, study materials and work uniforms.”

Additional support, including a laptop for study and assistance with transport-related costs, helped ensure she could stay focused on achieving her goals.

Reaching her goals

With the right support behind her, Faith was able to enrol in and complete her course, removing much of the stress that had previously held her back.

“This support helped me with my study enrolment as it took away the pressure and stress of having to do it on my own,” Faith adds.

What started as a goal to explore study options has now led to a rewarding career in a field she is passionate about.

Looking ahead

Today, Faith is thriving in employment, as an Early Childhood Educator at a local Wodonga Childcare Centre, and enjoying the confidence that comes from achieving something she once thought might be out of reach.

My life as changed so much in the past few months I now have a job that I care so much for, I don’t stress as much.
Faith
CVGT Employment Parent Pathways participant

Faith hopes her experience encourages other parents who may be considering study or training but are unsure where to begin.

“My advice to other parents in my position is it may seem impossible to start with, but it will work out in the end.”

Faith isn’t stopping there. She already has her sights set on the next step in her career.

“My goal for the future is to complete my diploma in early childhood education and care.”

Through personalised support, practical assistance and encouragement every step of the way, Parent Pathways helped Faith turn her goals into reality and create a brighter future for herself and her family.