NFPs to Deliver Programs to Prepare Parents for Work
14 March 2016 at 10:00 am
The Federal Government has announced the Not for Profit recipients who will deliver a new initiative to assist parents with young children in preparing for future employment.
The ParentsNext program aims to assist those trying to join or re-enter the workforce to receive practical assistance to help them into gainful employment.
Minister for Employment Michaelia Cash said the organisations set to deliver ParentsNext projects were in 10 Local Government Areas across Australia – three centres in New South Wales, two in Victoria and Queensland and one each in Tasmania, South Australia and Western Australia.
“ParentsNext will assist parents with young children prepare for future employment by enabling them to be in a better position to enter the workforce by the time their children start school,” Minister Cash said.
“Providers will work with parents of young children to identify their education and employment goals and help them access support services such as TAFE, secondary schools, training providers and employment services.”
Minister Cash said the program is designed to target parents at risk of long-term unemployment and welfare dependency.
“The task of raising children and ensuring they get a good start in life is in itself an important job and combining this with getting ready for employment can be a challenge,” she said.
“Simple but important measures will be provided to suit the client’s needs, such as providing advice on potential employment avenues, referrals to community organisations that support parents, recommending relevant training opportunities or even assistance with preparing a resume.”
The program has received $40 million in funding from the Commonwealth Government and is expected to assist approximately 24,000 parents each year.
In January this year, the Department of Employment called for organisations to apply to deliver the program. Project providers will commence delivering ParentsNext from 4 April 2016.
