Thinking about work, study or training while caring?
Contact us for support through Vocational Pathways.
Unsure where to start, what skills you have or what could work around caring? Carer Gateway Vocational Pathways can help you recognise your skills, build confidence and work out a realistic next step, at your own pace.
If you’re already registered with Carer Gateway, ask us about Vocational Pathways to get started.
Available to eligible carers in the Central Coast, Hunter New England and North Coast regions of NSW.
Live in another area? You can still get support. Click here or call 1800 422 737.
Is Vocational Pathways for me?
You may be a family or friend carer returning after time away, considering a different direction or beginning to think about your own goals.
Do any of these statements sound like your situation?- You are returning to work or study after time away caring.
- You may be a young carer leaving school, or looking for your first job, apprenticeship or traineeship.
- You need an income but are unsure what could fit around caring.
- You’re exploring a business idea.
- You want to get into community to give back through volunteering.
- You may already be employed, but looking for more flexible roles that fit caring.
- You’re ready to get started and want practical help or advice.
If any sound familiar, Vocational Pathways may be just what you’re looking for. You also don’t need to have everything worked out before you start. We recognise that different starting points need different kinds of support, all shaped around your individual caring responsibilities.
How Vocational Pathways can help
Still exploring your options?
You may be thinking about work, study, training or volunteering but feel unsure where to begin.
Vocational Pathways could help you:- Talk through what work or study could look like around caring
- Build your confidence and create a practical action plan towards those goals
- Identify skills you already use through caring, work, study or volunteering
- Build confidence with resumes, applications and interviews
- Explore study, training or volunteering options
- Figure out what you could realistically manage alongside your individual caring responsibilities
- Understand possible next steps if you are considering self-employment or small business
- Connect with other relevant supports where appropriate
- Consider how work or study could fit around caring
Ready to take the next step
You may already know what you want and need practical help getting ready.
Support may include:- Updating your resume and cover letter
- Preparing job applications
- Practising for interviews
- Understanding workplace expectations
- Exploring suitable training or education options
Considering self-employment
If you're interested in self-employment or starting a business, Vocational Pathways can support you to explore your options, build your skills and take practical steps towards your goal. We can also connect you with specialist business support or other programs such as Carers NSW Small Business for Women Carers
Eligibility for other Carers NSW programs may apply.
How does Vocational Pathways work?
If you’re new to Carer Gateway, click to find out more and consider registering. If you’re already registered, ask your Carer Gateway contact about Vocational Pathways.
The team will talk with you about your goals, caring responsibilities and whether the service is suitable right now.
If it is suitable, you’ll be able to access up to 6 tailored sessions by phone, online or face to face, depending on availability. You’ll be able to review your progress and agree on next steps together.
Start here
New to Carer Gateway
Register online with Carers NSW Carer Gateway if you live in the Central Coast, Hunter New England or North Coast regions of NSW.
Live in another area? You can still get support.
Click here or call 1800 422 737.
Register with Carer GatewayWhen our team contacts you, say you are interested in Vocational Pathways.
Already registered?
Tell your Carer Gateway contact that you would like to discuss Vocational Pathways.
Who may be eligible
Vocational Pathways may suit you if you tick the statements below. This is just a quick self-check for you — nothing is recorded or sent.
During your first few conversations with Carer Gateway, our team will work with you to determine whether Vocational Pathways is the right fit for your goals and circumstances.
What makes this support different
Many vocational and employment services focus on helping someone find a job. Vocational Pathways through Carer Gateway also considers whether work, training or volunteering can realistically and sustainably fit around caring. Smaller caseloads allow us to provide you with tailored support with your goals, confidence, skills, availability and caring responsibilities. Where another service is better suited to your needs, we can help connect you with the right pathway.- The service can begin before you are job-ready
- Free, tailored and designed around your pace, goals and circumstances
- Designed specifically for people who care for a family member or friend
- Available alongside other Carer Gateway supports
- Not connected to Centrelink mutual-obligation requirements
- Connected to other employment, education and community services where they are a better fit
Ready to take the next step?
You do not need to have everything worked out.
Already registered? Ask your Carer Gateway contact about Vocational Pathways.
Frequently asked questions
Who is a carer?
A carer is someone who provides unpaid care or support to a family member or friend who has disability, a medical condition, mental illness, alcohol or drug dependency, a terminal illness or who is frail due to age. You may be a carer even if you do not use that word for yourself.
Do I need to know what job or course I want?
No. We support you to prepare for work, study, training or volunteering, connect you with suitable employment opportunities where appropriate, and provide light-touch support once you're in a role. We can also connect you with job placement and other employment services to support you as needed.
Is the service free?
Yes. Vocational Pathways is a free service under Carer Gateway. All Carer Gateway services are free.
What will I get from this service?
You will be able to access up to 6 tailored sessions as well as group coaching sessions to work through your goals, skills assessment, job readiness preparation and other activities, depending on your goals and circumstances.
How are individual and group sessions delivered?
Sessions may be available by phone, online or face to face, depending on your needs and local availability.
Can young carers take part?
Yes, young carers aged 16 and over can take part. If you’re still at school, we’ll work alongside the career guidance and support already available through your school or careers adviser.
Is this a job-placement service?
No. We support you to prepare for work, study, training or volunteering, connect you with suitable employment opportunities where appropriate, and provide light-touch support once you're in a role. We can also connect you with job placement and other employment services to support you as needed.
Does this replace an employment service?
No. Vocational Pathways provides support tailored to the unique challenges of balancing work, study or training with your caring responsibilities. If additional employment support would benefit you, we’ll discuss the options with you and, where appropriate, work alongside or connect you with an employment service.
Is it linked to Centrelink requirements?
No. This service is not tied to Centrelink mutual-obligation requirements.
Can I access support if I already have a job?
Yes. It may be suitable if you are considering retraining, changing direction or finding work that better fits your caring responsibilities. The Carer Gateway team will discuss the most appropriate support with you.
Can it help me start a business?
Yes. If you’re interested in self-employment or starting a business, Vocational Pathways can support you to explore your options, build your skills and take practical steps towards your goal. We can also connect you with specialist business support or other programs, such as the Carers NSW Small Business for Women Carers initiative, where appropriate.
What if English is not my preferred language?
You can use the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 when contacting Carer Gateway. TIS can translate in more than 150 languages. If you meet with us in person, we can also arrange a local interpreter where needed.
What if now is not the right time?
That is okay. The Carer Gateway team can discuss other support that may help now and revisit Vocational Pathways when your circumstances change.
What happens after I start work or training?
After you start work or training, we’ll check in to see how you’re settling in and whether you’re progressing towards your goals.
I support carers through my work. How can I refer someone?
If you support carers through your work, you can encourage them to register with Carer Gateway online or call us directly. You can also share this page with them or refer them using our online registration form . Vocational Pathways complements employment, education and community services by addressing the impact of caring responsibilities on work, study, training and volunteering.