Students in Tasmania who want to work in the early childhood sector have had a boost thanks to a Department of Education and Beacon Foundation pathways program.
Goodstart Early Learning has now employed six school-based apprentices who are working one day per week at a Goodstart centre in Hobart while undertaking their year 11/12 studies.
During their time at the centre, they will learn valuable practical skills from qualified educators while they work towards a formal qualification, a Certificate III in Children’s Services.
For Chris Symons, Goodstart Tasmania Manager, the pathways program is already making a positive difference.
“We have just celebrated with our first cohort of apprentices and they shared feedback about what they are gaining from the experience so far, most of which was very encouraging,” Mr Symons said.
“It is great to see what amazing outcomes can be realised with government partners and with not-for-profit organisations.
“Goodstart is incredibly proud of our role in supporting young people from our community who have taken the initiative and shown they are committed to getting a head start in their career.
“Our centre directors and educators will continue to work closely with the students and support them every step of the way as they progress towards a rewarding career in early childhood education,” he said.
Making the pathways program a reality involved an extensive collaboration between Goodstart, The Department of Education and Beacon Foundation.
This has included school visits to talk about the study and employment pathways, an information day at Goodstart, work experience placements within Goodstart centres, information session with parents about pathways in particular school-based apprenticeships, a prepare for work day workshop run by Beacon Foundation and applications for school-based apprenticeships.
Goodstart centres who are currently involved in the pathways program are Goodstart Hobart, Goodstart Claremont, Goodstart Glenorchy, Goodstart North Hobart, and Goodstart Hobart West.
Students participating in the program are enrolled at Rosny College, Elizabeth College, Hobart College and Guildford Young College.
Goodstart Early Learning has now employed six school-based apprentices who are working one day per week at a Goodstart centre in Hobart while undertaking their year 11/12 studies.
During their time at the centre, they will learn valuable practical skills from qualified educators while they work towards a formal qualification, a Certificate III in Children’s Services.
For Chris Symons, Goodstart Tasmania Manager, the pathways program is already making a positive difference.
“We have just celebrated with our first cohort of apprentices and they shared feedback about what they are gaining from the experience so far, most of which was very encouraging,” Mr Symons said.
“It is great to see what amazing outcomes can be realised with government partners and with not-for-profit organisations.
“Goodstart is incredibly proud of our role in supporting young people from our community who have taken the initiative and shown they are committed to getting a head start in their career.
“Our centre directors and educators will continue to work closely with the students and support them every step of the way as they progress towards a rewarding career in early childhood education,” he said.
Making the pathways program a reality involved an extensive collaboration between Goodstart, The Department of Education and Beacon Foundation.
This has included school visits to talk about the study and employment pathways, an information day at Goodstart, work experience placements within Goodstart centres, information session with parents about pathways in particular school-based apprenticeships, a prepare for work day workshop run by Beacon Foundation and applications for school-based apprenticeships.
Goodstart centres who are currently involved in the pathways program are Goodstart Hobart, Goodstart Claremont, Goodstart Glenorchy, Goodstart North Hobart, and Goodstart Hobart West.
Students participating in the program are enrolled at Rosny College, Elizabeth College, Hobart College and Guildford Young College.