Congratulations to Grace Craigie and Kiara Cardwell for receiving traineeships at a Bush Kids Child Care Centre over the holidays. Both students completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Our Lady of Mercy College.
The certificate course, run by Mrs Natasha Shields, prepared the girls well for their Workplace Learning, which they completed at the end of Term 2.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING IN THE EARLY CHILDHOOD ENVIRONMENT?
Grace – Working is different from school. It is challenging. I like engaging with the children. Earning an income is a plus. I like being productive.
Kiara – I love seeing how the kids learn, as they all learn differently. I love teaching them new skills. I love watching the kids sharing and engaging.
HOW DID THE COURSE PREPARE YOU FOR THIS TYPE OF WORK?
Grace – I know how to deal with situations and knew what to expect. Because of the content it was familiar in the work place eg filling in sleep charts. Play Café was great. It gave me time to spend with kids and experience working with them. I could put content into action and see how it works.
Kiara – The course prepared me well. I could apply the skills I learnt eg washing hands, wiping table. I was culturally aware and new about food needs eg allergies.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER STUDENTS THINKING ABOUT COMPLETING THIS COURSE?
Grace – 100% recommend this course. It allows you to go in lots of directions eg complete a Diploma or teaching. It is a lot of fun, doesn’t’ feel like work. I am excited about this traineeship as I can combine work plus work in the centre.
Kiara – Cert. III in Early Childhood Education and Care leads you to many pathways and jobs. I have met a lot of new people. I like learning whilst working. Lots of job opportunities. I would suggest that students look around, search online and do lots of work placement as it is easier to find jobs. You have to love kids! In the future I would like to complete my Diploma and then do teaching at uni.
The College wishes the girls lots of success and happiness in their new jobs.
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