GREATER Shepparton has welcomed its first three Council-employed Early Years trainees through a pilot program launched in February. This initiative is a collaboration between WomenCAN Australia, Greater Shepparton Foundation, Greater Shepparton City Council (GSCC) and Bowden Marstan Foundation, aimed at supporting women from diverse backgrounds to gain employment in early childhood services.
The program offers participants a paid Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (CHC30121). Louise Mitchell, director of community at GSCC, expressed excitement over the new trainees joining the Early Years team, bringing invaluable cultural knowledge and experience.
‘Our new staff bring invaluable cultural knowledge and experience to our services and complement our existing team. We are delighted to be part of this innovative project.’ Ms Mitchell said.
Greater Shepparton Foundation EO Amanda McCulloch celebrated the success of the program, noting that 10 women from diverse communities are now employed and working towards their certification. Project manager Donna Baldwin highlighted the program’s role in addressing the early years labour force shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The benefits of the WomenCAN program are multifaceted, providing women with qualifications for financial independence, boosting confidence, and supplying the Early Childhood sector with passionate, supported trainees.
For program enquiries, contact Donna Baldwin at 0401 071 227 or donna.baldwin@womencanaustralia.org.
