The benefits of an early childhood education traineeship

Monday, December 7, 2020

If you’re keen to commence or advance a career in early childhood education and care, a traineeship is a great way to do just that.

Better yet, you can continue to maintain an income stream while studying to get qualified in early childhood. With the Australian Government committing $1.2 billion in a funding boost designed to support more people in gaining skills and employment, and support businesses in taking on trainees to create a highly skilled workforce, it’s the perfect time to embark on pursuing a traineeship — or seeking out trainees in your workplace.

An early childhood education and care traineeship could see you gain qualifications in this booming sector, while benefiting from a training approach that maximises hands-on experience and confidence for a bright career.

Understanding what a traineeship is

Many courses involve theory-based learning combined with varying degrees of practical experience. A traineeship takes this up a notch, pairing work in the sector with the required training to ensure that learners receive a thorough learning experience that will adequately prepare them for a real-world career. This has the added advantage for learners enrolled in a traineeship to be able to earn and learn at the same time, while gaining skills, qualifications and confidence on the on the job.

You may have come across traineeship opportunities described alongside apprenticeships. They do have their similarities, in that they both involve learning and working simultaneously, however they aren’t quite the same. While apprenticeships are a means for a person to gain qualifications and be trained in skilled trade, traineeships support those seeking training in vocational areas.

Another key difference is that apprenticeships generally take around four years to complete, whereas a traineeship is more likely to be from 12 months to three years in duration, depending on your chosen qualification.

Gaining early childhood qualifications through a traineeship

For some individuals, a traineeship is a great way to take on further qualifications within the sector you are currently working in, continuing within your workplace while training. For others, it is a hands-on way to start on a career in a rewarding sector with the ability to earn while you learn. For employers, traineeships mean gaining well-trained, highly-skilled employees who are committed to contributing to your place of business.

In early childhood education and care, traineeships are an opportunity to learn quickly. Being in the workplace environment while you are undertaking qualifications enables you to easily apply the theory you are learning to the real-world experience of working in an early childhood education setting. You will also have consistent support through your trainer, co-workers and employer. It is also highly beneficial for extending your knowledge in the sector through identifying mentors within the workplace who can support and guide you on your career journey.

Key benefits of traineeships for learners:

• The ability to earn while you learn
• Flexible training
• Get a headstart with valuable real-life experience
• Benefit from mentors and role models in your chosen sector
• Improved understanding of theory through practical application

Employers gain highly skilled early childhood educators

For any employer, highly skilled and confident employees are always desirable and sought after. With this in in mind, traineeships present an advantageous opportunity for employers in early childhood education who seek to effectively train staff on the job in their prospective workplace environment. This means the chance to develop the ideal team for your workplace from their commencement of training and beyond.

The Practical Outcomes team specialises in training individuals for thriving careers in early childhood education and care. Our courses are designed to be a great fit with the traineeship delivery mode, supporting both individual learners and employers to reach their full potential.

Both theory-based learning and practical, hands-on skills are prioritised to ensure our learners and workplaces get the most from their training experience. We also place importance on the development of soft skills. These personal qualities can have a positive impact on the way that individuals can offer support to those they work with — both those in their care and those they may be working alongside.

In addition to the latest funding for businesses offering traineeships, your business may be eligible for other wage subsidies too — take a look here.

Key benefits of traineeships for employers:

• Employees with well-developed practical skills to match your workplace
• Improved employee confidence
• Promoting job satisfaction and motivation for employees
• Subsidies and support to develop your skilled workforce

Traineeships — how to get started

If you are looking to foster a successful and strong early childhood education service to give children the very best start in life, taking on trainees can be a successful move forward for your workplace. Similarly, if you are looking to find a traineeship to take on a thriving career in the early childhood education, we can help.

Learn how Practical Outcomes can support your traineeship program to help you shape or join a fulfilling early childhood education workplace.