ParentsNext changes commence from today to encourage workforce participation

Pre-employment program ParentsNext will benefit from a $24.7 million funding boost, effective today, Federal Minister for Employment, Workforce, Skills, Small and Family Business Stuart Robert has said. 

As a result of the funding more Australian parents will be able to access vital assistance to help them prepare for, or return to, work. ParentsNext helps parents to identify their education and work goals, develop pathways to success, and link them to activities and services in their community. 

From today, changes to the program will deliver an enhanced and more targeted set of supports for parents who are at greater risk of long-term unemployment.

The changes will ensure all ParentsNext providers have flexible access to financial assistance through the Participation Fund to help participants meet their education and employment goals. Relocation assistance and up to $10,000 in employer wage subsidies will also be available to eligible participants who are ready to start work. 

Any Parenting Payment recipient with a child under six years of age will be able to volunteer to take part in the program and receive the same high-quality service as all other participants.

“There are significant barriers for parents to get back into the workforce and this is especially the case for women, Indigenous Australians and those from culturally and linguistically diverse communities,” Mr Robert said, “so it is encouraging to see ParentsNext seeing high take up from across these groups.” ‘

More information about ParentsNext is available here.