Opportunity Pathways program
Opportunity Pathways is available if you are looking for training and work opportunities. The program is voluntary and free.
Opportunity Pathways is available if you are looking for training and work opportunities.
The program is voluntary and free.
To be eligible you need to be:
- 17 years or older and meet school leaving requirements
- living in public, community and Aboriginal housing
- receiving a Homes NSW Rent Choice subsidy,
- an approved social housing applicant on the NSW Housing Register.
Accessing the program
Social housing providers have partnered with local program providers. They can help you with your job goals and, if suitable, housing independence.
Your social housing provider can refer you to the program or you can refer yourself by emailing your local Opportunity Program provider.
The program is available in the following sites in Hunter Central Coast, New England, South Western Sydney and Western NSW.
Contact a social housing provider
Provider: Wesley Mission
Sites:
- Central Coast
- Cessnock
- Dungog
- Lake Macquarie
- Maitland
- Muswellbrook
- Newcastle
- Port Stephens
Referral email: opportunitypathways@wesleymission.org.au
Provider: Best Employment
Sites:
- Armidale Regional
- Glen Innes Severn
- Gunnedah Shire
- Gwydir Shire
- Inverell Shire
- Liverpool Plains Shire
- Moree Plains
- Narrabri Shire
- Tamworth Regional
- Tenterfield Shire
- Uralla Shire
- Walcha Shire
Referral email: pathways@best.com.au
Provider: Evolve Housing
Sites:
- Campbelltown
- Canterbury - Bankstown
- Fairfield
- Liverpool
- Macquarie Fields
Referral email: pathways@evolvehousing.com.au
Provider: Housing Plus
Sites:
- Bathurst Regional
- Blayney
- Cabonne
- Cowra
- Dubbo Regional
- Forbes
- Narromine
- Oberon
- Orange City
- Parkes
- Wellington
Referral email: op@housingplus.com.au
Working with an Opportunity Pathways provider
Your provider will work with you to create a plan. This plan will be tailored to your personal situation, needs and employment goals.
The program usually runs for up to 12 months. During this time, you will have access to:
- courses, work experience, volunteering and mentoring opportunities
- financial assistance to pay for things that will help you find and attend work or a training course
- help with resume writing or developing your interview skills.
The program includes a range of options to support you to achieve your employment goals. These don't end once you get a job.
Your program provider will keep supporting you to keep your job or help you find a new one.
Program impacts on eligibility for social housing assistance
The program is voluntary. You may decide you do not want to participate or leave the program early if you feel it is not the right fit for you. This will not change your eligibility for social housing assistance.
If you are successful in the program and your income increases, there may be an impact on your eligibility for social housing assistance. For example:
- If you live in social housing the amount of rent you pay may increase. For more information, see Income limits for rent subsidy factsheet.
- If you live in a Homes NSW managed property, with a fixed term lease, your income may impact your eligibility for another lease. For more information see the Income limits page.
- If you are receiving Rent Choice the amount of subsidy you receive may go down or even stop. For more information see the Rent Choice policy.
- If you are an applicant on the NSW Housing Register your income may mean you are no longer eligible for assistance. For more information see the Applying for Social Housing factsheet.
- If you live in Community Housing, visit your social housing provider’s website.