ParentsNext program

Helping parents prepare for employment

We connect you with the support and training you need to prepare for work

We understand going back to work after raising children can be tough. Balancing work and family can be difficult to manage. That’s why the ParentsNext program focuses on supporting you and your children as you prepare for employment.

We will take the time to get to know you, your family and your ambitions. We will give you the skills and experience you need to achieve your goals while building your capacity to manage family and work commitments.

As a result of changes announced to the program coming in July 2024 by Katy Gallagher, Minister for Women and Tony Burke, Minister for Employment, mutual obligations in the program are no longer in effect.

Prepare to enter employment with ParentsNext program

1 Eligibility
2 Talk with us
3 Participate
4 Apply
5 In Work support

Eligibility Assessment for ParentsNext program

To join ParentsNext with us, you must:

Have at least one child aged under six

Be receiving Parenting Payment

Have not worked in the last six months.

Some parents will be required to participate in ParentsNext and in this case Centrelink will contact you directly. If MAX is one of your service provider options, you can register and book in for an initial interview.

We offer ParentsNext in a number of locations in NSW. To register with MAX or to find out more, contact us.

Please note: Parents living in Bankstown and Wyong may also be able to volunteer for ParentsNext, subject to meeting certain criteria.

Tell us about you

When you arrive for your first meeting, our team will sit with you and start to get to know you. Your children can play in our child friendly space so you can feel at ease while we talk.

We will help to identify your skills, strengths and career goals. We also identify any challenges you may face in finding work and together look for ways to overcome them. For example we can help you to access childcare while you’re participating in ParentsNext activities.

Following this, we will work with you to plan a pathway to achieving your education and employment goals. We will also provide you with information on employer expectations and the local job market.

Engage in helpful activities

You can choose from a range of activities in your local community to enable you to achieve your employment and education goals.

Activities are delivered by a range of organisations and you can choose which activities, which organisations, when and how you participate – depending on the activity. Example activities include:

Enrolling in a course such as vocational training or English classes

Completing year 12

Undertaking work experience

Participating in part-time work

Attending playgroup or parenting programs

Addressing any health issues affecting you.

We contact you regularly and ensure activities you are engaging in meet your needs and work with you to continually improve your plan.

Apply for jobs

When you are ready we help you apply for jobs. Using our employer network we match your skills to vacancies in your local area. You will be supported through:

Preparing job applications and tailoring your resume to different jobs

Applying for jobs online

Developing interview skills

Building self-esteem and confidence.

By registering with MAXConnect and completing your personal My Job Fit profile you will be matched to all our jobs that fit you and your skillset.

You may even qualify for additional support such as wage subsidies for employers, assistance to relocate or funding to purchase essential licences.

Supporting you in your new job

We want you to ensure you are given the opportunity to shine in your new role.

After you have started your new job, we continue to stay in touch and provide support as you navigate your new job and begin to balance work and family.

You can also access our wide range of resources on MAXConnect including blog articles and links designed to give you the best chance of achieving fulfilling, long term employment.

If anything is worrying you or if you have any questions, contact us. We are here for you.