ParentsNext is a government program that helps parents with young children plan and prepare for their future employment or study.

Bathurst-based VERTO chief executive officer Ron Maxwell said it was an important service for parents in need.

“Caring for young children can mean that parents have spent long periods of time out of the paid workforce,” Mr Maxwell said.

“Getting back into work can be difficult, but this service aims to ease parents back into work and support them throughout the process.

“ParentsNext allows us to expand on the support we provide individuals to develop new skills and find work.”

The program is expected to help around 68,000 parents across Australia to plan and prepare for employment by the time their children are at school.

It involves helping parents of young children to identify their current skills and how these skills are transferrable to the workplace.

The ParentsNext program will deliver tailored assistance, through identifying education and employment goals, matching them with activities to prepare them to re-enter the workforce, and providing access to suitable referral services within the community to support them throughout their journey.