Returning to Work After a Career Break as a Parent
Iris came to Real Futures with a clear goal: re-enter the workforce after taking time away to raise her young son.
Workforce re-entry after a parental career break presents a distinct set of challenges. Resumés carry gaps, referees fall out of date, and interview confidence often needs rebuilding. Iris and the Real Futures team addressed these directly, working through a broad range of entry-level job opportunities across multiple industries rather than narrowing her search too early.
Iris’s Outcome: Public Sector Employment and a Nationally Recognised Qualification
Iris’s persistence paid off. She has now:
- Secured ongoing employment in the public sector
- Commenced a Certificate III in Government through her traineeship
Why this outcome matters
For Iris, this delivers three things at once:
- Ongoing career development — a credential that unlocks progression pathways within the public service
- Long-term employment stability — an ongoing role rather than casual or short-term work
- A genuine pathway forward — for herself and for her son
In Her Employment Development Specialist’s Words
“I was particularly impressed by Iris’s independence, resilience, and motivation. She never gave up, remained open to new opportunities, and consistently stepped outside her comfort zone to explore different career pathways. Her positive attitude and willingness to embrace new experiences played a significant role in her success.”
— Kaycee, Employment Development Specialist, Real Futures
Congratulations, Iris
Iris’s result reflects exactly what the Indigenous Skills and Employment Program is built to achieve: not just a job, but a career with a qualification attached and a future to grow into.
Congratulations, Iris — we can’t wait to see where this career takes you.
