Returning to work after having a child can be daunting. The challenges are even greater for single parents, parents living with disability, or those caring for children with additional needs. The barriers they face are not just about finding a job – they need support that is tailored to their individual circumstances.
Employment services such as atWork Australia provide that critical support, helping parents not only secure employment but thrive in both their personal and professional lives.
Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics sheds light on what parents need to return to the workforce. Over half (56.4%) of Australians believe that the ability to work during school hours is a vital factor for parents. A similar proportion (55.9%) highlights that part-time work options make returning to the workforce more feasible. Additionally, 53.5% of parents stated that financial assistance with childcare costs would increase their ability to participate in the workforce.
These insights highlight a crucial need for employment services that understand the specific challenges facing parents, especially those managing disability or caregiving responsibilities. Parents need more than just job listings – they need a personalised approach that offers flexibility, ongoing support, and opportunities for growth. This is exactly what atWork Australia provides.
atWork Australia works with parents to create individualised employment pathways, matching their skills and circumstances with the right employers. Whether it’s connecting them with suitable training opportunities, or helping them find flexible roles that fit their caregiving responsibilities, atWork Australia’s support goes beyond job placement. It’s about empowering parents to succeed, both at home and in the workforce.
Over the past year, atWork Australia has supported more than 8,500 parents, helping them navigate their way back into the workforce. With the right training, support, and job coaching, over 1,800 parents gained new qualifications that helped them secure stable, fulfilling employment. Many of these jobs were part-time or casual roles, which offer the flexibility parents need to balance their work and family responsibilities.
Take Kong, a 53-year-old single father from Eschol Park, New South Wales. Kong was struggling to find work that fit his needs – he required flexibility to care for his daughter and had health issues that prevented him from doing physical labour. When he turned to atWork Australia, the team provided him with the tailored support he needed to find a role that accommodated both his health and family commitments. Kong is now employed in a position that suits his skills and allows him to thrive.
Similarly, Jack, a 41-year-old single father from Kogarah, New South Wales, found support during a difficult time. Jack, a qualified teacher, had struggled to secure consistent work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial strain was mounting, and his work options were limited. Through atWork Australia, Jack was able to get the support he needed to plan his career and secure a teaching role that he was passionate about.
As a parent myself and a person who lives with disability, I understand the challenges of juggling family life with work. It’s not just about finding a job; it’s about finding the right job that fits within the unique circumstances of your life.
Our personalised approach has been life-changing for many parents, helping over 2,600 parents gain stable employment over the past 12 months. This means more families have access to the financial security and stability they need, allowing them to balance work and family life.
The message is clear: parents, especially those facing additional challenges like disability or caregiving responsibilities, need more than just a job – they need employment support tailored to their individual circumstances. Services like atWork Australia provide exactly that, helping parents find meaningful, flexible work opportunities that accommodate their unique needs and empower them to thrive in their careers.
To learn more about how atWork Australia is helping parents gain employment through its Disability Employment Services program, visit atWork Australia.
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