Are you a parent or carer trying to finish a qualification but held back by course costs, certificates, or equipment you can’t afford? You’re not alone — and support is available.
Through the Parent Pathways program, AKG can help with practical, real-world costs that create barriers to study and work, including:
- Licensing and checks
- Short courses and tickets
- Uniforms and equipment
- Course fees
- Placement costs
- Employment support
Natasha’s Story
When Natasha joined our program, she’d already completed a significant portion of her nursing degree before pausing her studies to care for her children. She wanted to finish.
What stood in her way was a list of costs.
Her remaining study required an unpaid clinical placement, and before she could set foot on a ward, she needed a Mental Health First Aid certificate, a manual handling course, a Working with Children Check — which required a birth certificate she didn’t have — plus scrubs and sneakers.
Individually, small expenses. Together, and for a parent managing children on a limited income, they were enough to hold an entire nursing degree in suspension.
We funded those expenses so that Natasha could get one step closer to completing her degree and gaining experience as a nurse. From there, our team will continue to work with her on her resume, cover letter and job search so that she’s supported right through to employment, not just to the edge of it.
Small costs create big consequences and we’re proud that we’re able to offer Natasha the support that will see her heading toward a registered profession in a sector crying out for skilled staff.
Note: Natasha’s name has been changed to protect her privacy.
If you’re in a similar position
Find out more about the Parent Pathways program here.
