With considerable interest from local jobseekers in Hedland and Newman wanting to be involved in the Thriving Futures early learning workforce development initiative, the scope of the project has been broadened to create more pathways to step into a rewarding career. Child Australia have worked collaboratively with local childcare centres and stakeholders to develop a solution that will help to transition unqualified jobseekers to early learning career entrants.
The Thriving Futures “Academy” complements the existing project by providing eligible candidates with an intensive 12-week immersion experience into the early learning sector. The Academy is designed to support candidates with their career decision to become an early childhood educator by providing them with an entry level opportunity to truly understand the complexities of a child’s learning and development needs, while gaining a thorough understanding of the critical importance of the Educator role.
Managed by a team of experienced early years’ consultants, trainers and mentors, the Academy offers individual support for successful candidates ranging from induction, intensive theoretical learning, practicum placement, job readiness support, and employment opportunities within local early learning centres.
Proudly funded by BHP with a total project investment of over $1Million, the Thriving Futures Academy will support the local workforce to engage in meaningful career opportunities nurturing children in their most critical early years. With a focus on encouraging a sustainable, highly qualified workforce with career development pathways, the Academy will provide eligible candidates with the entry level skills required to commence their professional journey.
BHP WA Manager Communities, Chris Cottier, said:
“As a regional employer we recognise the importance of early years education across the Pilbara. The academy will provide career entrants with a pathway to engage in a challenging and rewarding career, and it will create a sustainable, qualified workforce, to educate and nurture children in Port Hedland and Newman for years to come.”
Following the successful graduation from the 12-week immersion program, Academy graduates will be offered full Scholarships to obtain the skills and qualifications alongside their career in early learning. The Academy is open to all applicants, specifically encouraging the Indigenous community, school leavers, parents re-entering the workforce, and mature-age workers looking to reinvigorate their careers.
Child Australia’s CEO Ms Tina Holtom said:
“The Academy immersion experience is about empowering those interested in establishing their career in the early years. Working with children in their early years is possibly one of the most rewarding careers, but it requires a high level of commitment and passion. The educator role is multi-faceted and critically important, so it is essential that we nurture candidates right from the start, to be their absolute best when working with children and families.”
This week the Academy welcomes its first successful candidate Nadia. With a Bachelor of Educational Arts from Egypt, Nadia and her husband migrated to Australia and settled in Port Hedland post the Egyptian Revolution in 2011. Nadia and her family have immersed themselves in the community, and with her 2 young children she is excited at the opportunity to be involved in the Thriving Futures project.
On the opportunity, Nadia stated “This week the Academy welcomes its first successful candidate Nadia. With a Bachelor of Educational Arts from Egypt, Nadia and her husband migrated to Australia and settled in Port Hedland post the Egyptian Revolution in 2011. Nadia and her family have immersed themselves in the community, and with her 2 young children she is excited at the opportunity to be involved in the Thriving Futures project. On the opportunity, Nadia stated “I believe that nothing is impossible, with study and practice, I can do anything. I’m always hungry to learn and love to share my experiences with people.”
The Thriving Futures Academy will not only encourage career entrants but will provide a Mentorship program for senior Centre leaders. The ongoing commitment to supporting and developing these leaders will ensure a sustainable and thriving early years sector for generations to come.