NORTHERN Victorian secondary students with an interest in the early childhood sector can start their career path early, thanks to a new partnership between a national early childhood provider and the Victorian Government’s ‘Head Start’ program.
James Merlino, Minister for Education, launched the ‘Head Start’ partnership with Think Childcare, the largest brokered by the ‘Head Start’ initiative for the early childhood education qualification.
Trainees will receive a high-quality education from early learning training specialist Selmar Institute of Education, helping them gain a Certificate III Early Childhood Education and Care qualification.
In the first year, they will spend one to two days per week in paid employment, increasing to three to four days in their final year.
More than 40 ‘Head Start’ trainees are already underway, including four students in the Loddon Campaspe region, gaining experience and training in the growing early childhood education sector while also helping meet local workforce needs.
“We are thrilled to provide local opportunities to students to keep their skills in the community and have a supported pathway for them to confidently take the first step into the rewarding early childhood sector,” said Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes MP.
The $49.8M ‘Head Start’ initiative is a model for apprenticeships and traineeships for school students, supporting them to complete their VCE or VCAL alongside paid on-the-job training so they can achieve both a vocational and school-based education.
The Head Start initiative will deliver up to 1,700 apprenticeships and traineeships by 30 June 2022, supported by school-based staff responsible for matching students with high-quality employers – with 10 Head Start clusters already established across 130 schools in Victoria.
