General News
8 November, 2024
Childhood educators needed locally
The Goldfields Family Centre is preparing to open its doors next Wednesday to the next generation of early childhood educators in a bid to combat current workforce shortages.
The open night will allow interested locals to interact with industry experts, training organisations and current staff as well as explore possible pathways and programs.
According to Central Goldfields Shire Council manager children and families Carolyn Bartholomeusz, the event is a great chance to catch a glimpse of a rewarding profession.
“Being an educator is a very exciting career opportunity because there are so many different places where you can work and the rewards from being involved with children so young are incredible,” she said.
“They are working with children at the most critical time of their life — we know that the first five years are so critical in their development.
“We are looking for people who either have no experience in the industry to find out a little bit more about what’s involved, people who have had some prior experience, or people who are looking for a different career.”
The event aims to implement practices outlined in council’s Early Childhood Education Workforce Plan 2024-2029 adopted in July.
Funded by the Department of Education, the plan’s purpose is to prepare the Central Goldfields for the State Government’s $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms including free kinder for three and four-year-olds.
The report states there is a current influx of demand for services across the shire, with many facilities “capping enrolments” and waiting lists “sitting at approximately 145” due to “inability to fill positions”.
Ms Bartholomeusz said providing an in-house recruitment model with accessible opportunities for residents is vital in adding to the current workforce.
“In somewhere like Maryborough, this is a great opportunity to live locally, work locally, build a career and help build the community,” she said.
“That plan identifies we need 30 extra full-time educators over the next five years.
“The sector is growing and we need more people to find out and get involved.”
While recruitment remains an issue, the report also states the local early childhood education sector has struggled to retain staff due to the remoteness of the community, lack of transport and current workload.
“We are working hard with that at the moment because we understand there are stresses that people in the industry are going through,” Ms Bartholomeusz said.
“Having said that, there is also a lot of excitement about having new educators come into the space and the more staff we have the more supportive environment we can build.”
One of those new staff members is early childhood educator trainee Hayley Brame who said she has loved working at the Goldfields Family Centre.
“I’ve been here for two and a half months now and I’ve really enjoyed it here,” she said.
“The best part is getting to know the kids and forming a relationship with them.
“You will walk in and the kids will look and yell out ‘hi Hayley’ and they know who you are, it’s just the best.”
The Early Childhood Educator Open Night is on next Wednesday, November 13 from 5 to 7 pm at the Goldfields Family Centre on
100 Napier Street.