Services for parents
The Australian Government offers Employment Preparation specifically for principal carer parents who are entering (or re-entering) the workforce.
Employment Preparation
Employment Preparation is available through Job Network and provides an individually tailored service to parents, carers and mature age job seekers, to assist them in finding work that suits their needs. The type of assistance provided could include:
- assessment of current skill levels
- updating of skills and/or qualifications
- addressing self-confidence issues
- improving job search skills.
Specifically for parents, assistance could include providing support to access suitable child care. Each person's needs differ and will be matched by the appropriate support. All principal carer parents on income support are eligible to access this service immediately if they have no recent workforce experience. There are also a number of positions available in Employment Preparation for parents who are not on income support. Contact your local Job Network member for details.
Other services available to parent job seekers
Job seekers
Parent job seekers can access a broad range of information on employment services, income support, training and careers.
Intensive Support customised assistance
Intensive Support customised assistance is provided by a Job Network member. They provide six months of tailored and intensive support for job seekers, to help them find employment. You may receive special training to prepare you for work, counselling or work experience. The type of support you receive will reflect your individual needs and circumstances. Read more about intensive support.
Job Network
Job Network is a national network of private and community organisations dedicated to helping you find and keep a job. Go to the Job Network pages for information about the services Job Network provides and how to choose a Job Network member.
Australian JobSearch
Australian JobSearch provides a single point of access for job seekers. You'll find information about jobs and working conditions, careers and training, employment programmes and details of actual job and volunteering opportunities.
For more information about the services available to parents, see our frequently asked questions.