Silva’s rise from participant to manager

My ParentsNext journey began in 2018 when I was referred to the program as a participant.

At the time my two children were aged five and six. I had been out of the workforce for six years as I had taken a break to raise my family.

When I was referred to ParentsNext I was ready to return work, as my daughter was now at primary school.

After a six-year break, I was lacking confidence, a little anxious and uncertain of which direction to take in my career.

As a participant in ParentsNext, I was able to identify my employment goals and felt supported. I was also able to gain the confidence of returning back to work.

Karen, the ParentsNext manager and also my support worker, helped me find ways to achieve my goals and, most importantly, how I could make it work around my family life.

She saw potential in me and when a position became available with CVGT Australia working in ParentsNext itself, she encouraged me to apply for a job as a ParentsNext Coach.

I was so pleased that I was successful in gaining the position with the team in North East Melbourne. It gave me the opportunity to meet new people and be able to help our participants.

After joining the team at CVGT in 2019, I was promoted to ParentsNext Training and Assessment Officer in 2020.

More recently I have become Assistant Contract Manager for both the ParentsNext and YConnect programs.

Three years on I am working full time and studying for a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.

I love being with a company where I feel appreciated and supported. CVGT has an awesome company culture.