Parents Returning to Earning—PRTE

A Victorian Government Initiative

(Formerly called Parents Return to Work program)

The Parents Returning to Earning Program is an initiative of the Victorian State Government, administered by Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES).

The program provides a grant of up to $1,000 to assist parents planning to return to employment after an absence caring for dependent children.

If you are an eligible parent you can claim the grant (up to $1,000) to cover the costs of a training course through Australian College QED. What's more, Australian College will subsidise up to a further $300 of course fees if your chosen course is over $1,000. This means, for example, if your course is $1,295 the grant will cover $1,000 and Australian College will subsidise the rest. This means your entire course is FREE to you.

Eligibility for a grant is established by evidence that the parent meets all the following criteria:

• Are Australian residents living in Victoria
• Are currently unemployed and wish to return to work, preferably in the next 12 months
• Have been absent from education, accredited training and the workforce for over two years while caring for children
• Have not worked for more than 4 months full time, or equivalent part-time, in the last 2 years
• Will enrol in training to improve their workforce skills and/or earning potential
• Have not received a grant under the program Parents Returning to Work
• Were unable to activate their Parents Returning to Work grant due to unforseen circumstances.
  

The program has a strong employment focus. Training approved through the program will therefore be in courses that increase work-related skills or improve job prospects.

Complete an application for a $1,000 Grant