In partnership with the Gippsland East Local Learning Network Early Years Project and East Gippsland Shire the East Gippsland Learn Locals facilitated the Get Ready for Work: Early Childhood Education course in February 2025 at the Orbost Education Centre, supporting 12 adult learners to succeed at employment and develop further study pathways.
The students are now pursuing employment in the early childhood education sector
and some are enrolled in the TAFE Certificate 111 in Early Childhood Education starting in July 2025.
Unique features of the course include a focus on supporting students with their employability skills including resume writing, cover letters, key selection criteria and interview skills plus a focus on real jobs and knowledge/policies of the early childhood sector.
They featured guest speakers from the East Gippsland Skills and Jobs Centre, Gippsland TAFE plus representatives from Gippsland Lakes Complete Health Early Childhood Team.
Students were able to learn in small groups in a safe space in their own community, adding to the course’s capacity to be flexible to the needs of the group.
“The course has opened up pathways of study that I otherwise wouldn’t have had access to due to the demands of childcare and work. Kayla’s passion, dedication, and energy have been evident throughout this entire program. Her enthusiasm for Early Childhood Education is truly contagious, and it’s inspiring to see how it has motivated other students to continue their studies. Kayla has gone above and beyond in offering her support, and we are incredibly grateful to have her as our guide throughout this learning journey,” student, Peta Maguire said.
“The course has been the best of both worlds – combining practical interview coaching with industry-specific insights. It has been a true blessing for the Orbost community.”
The demand for staff in the Early Childhood Education space across East Gippsland is growing so the next step for these students is the completion of their Certificate 111 in Early Childhood Education through TAFE which is being offered through the Study Hub at the Orbost Education Centre.
While it is an online course the Orbost students will be working together at the Study Hub as a study group and will be supported during the course by Early Years Network Project Worker, Kayla Enzinger.
“Working in the Early Childhood Education sector is a rewarding profession and in Orbost we are keen to provide opportunities for people interested in working with
young children and families, to develop skills in the sector and start a new career,” Ms Enzinger said.
The Get Ready for Work: Early Childhood Education course will continue to be offered throughout East Gippsland for those that
are interested.
For more information and to register your interest contact Kayla Enzinger via phone (details via the Snowy River Mail office).
Anyone interested in the get ready for
work programs in East Gippsland can
contact the Learn Local closest to them for more information.
