A Successful Return to Work After Starting a Family: A Hospitality Training Success Story in Grafton

Returning to the workforce after taking time out to care for children can be one of life’s biggest challenges. While caring for a family is one of the most important roles a person can undertake, stepping back into the workforce often requires confidence, refreshing skills, and employers who recognise the valuable experience and capabilities parents bring to the workplace.

Through Tursa Employment & Training’s Introduction to Customer Service (Hospitality) program in Grafton, two local mothers have successfully overcome those challenges, securing ongoing employment and creating brighter futures for themselves and their families.

The Introduction to Customer Service (Hospitality) program was facilitated by TURSA to help participants develop industry-relevant skills, build confidence, and improve their job readiness.

The program welcomed eight TURSA participants and was delivered in partnership with local employers, including:

• Clarence River Jockey Club
• Grafton District Services Club
• Vines Café

Participants gained valuable workplace exposure through employer presentations, site visits, and practical insights into the hospitality and customer service industry.

The program delivered outstanding results, including:

• Four participants completing their RSA certification
• Two paid work trials with local employers
• Five participants secured employment through Clarence River Jockey Club
• Additional employment opportunities continuing to progress with local employers

Among the program’s greatest successes were two mothers who had spent several years away from the workforce while caring for their children.

Like many parents preparing to return to employment, both faced the challenge of rebuilding confidence, updating their skills, and finding an employer willing to give them an opportunity.

Through TURSA‘s hospitality training program, both participants developed practical customer service skills, increased their workplace confidence, and strengthened their overall work readiness. The program also provided valuable opportunities to connect directly with local employers and demonstrate their capabilities in real-world environments.

As a result, both participants successfully secured ongoing employment.

Their achievements represent more than gaining a job. They are building long-term careers, increasing financial security for their families, and creating new opportunities for themselves and their children.

Their success is a reminder that taking time away from paid employment to care for a family should never be seen as a barrier to future career goals.

While vocational skills are important, confidence is often the key factor in helping people successfully return to work.

By combining practical training, employer engagement, workplace experience, and ongoing support, TURSA helped participants recognise their strengths, develop their capabilities, and take meaningful steps towards employment.

For these two mothers, the program provided the foundation they needed to successfully re-enter the workforce and pursue a brighter future for their families.

The success of Tursa Employment & Training’s Introduction to Customer Service (Hospitality) program demonstrates the positive impact that training, community partnerships, and supportive employers can have when working together.

For anyone considering a return to work after starting a family, these stories show that a career restart is possible. With the right support, practical training, and employers willing to invest in people, new opportunities can become a reality.

These women showed courage in taking that first step back into employment. Today, they are not only building successful careers but also creating stronger futures for their families.

Their journey is an inspiring example of what can be achieved when determination, support, and opportunity come together.

You’re not alone. With the right support, training and opportunities, a successful return to work is possible.

At Tursa Employment & Training, we’re committed to helping people build confidence, develop new skills and connect with local employers who value their potential.

Whether you’re looking to start a new career, refresh your skills, or take your first step back into the workforce, we’re here to help.