Skilling SA rolls out initiatives to combat ECEC workforce shortages

Skilling South Australia, an initiative of the South Australian Government, designed to increase apprenticeships and traineeships leading to lasting careers, and to grow the State’s skilled workforce in preparation for growth sectors and industries, such as early childhood education and care (ECEC), has recently announced two programs to support the ECEC sector. 

Aiming to create an additional 20,800 apprenticeships and traineeships over the next four years, Skilling South Australia is a partnership with the Australian Government, which includes more than 700 apprenticeship and trainee qualifications on the Subsidised Training List, almost double the previous number.

Designed in collaboration with employers, industry associations, group training associations and training providers, more than 100 projects have been approved across a range of advancing sectors, including ECEC. 

The first, the Upskilling to Diploma Qualifications program, will deliver higher-apprenticeships to 15 existing ECEC workers across eight businesses.

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Delivered by Child Care Services Training Australia, the project has been developed in collaboration with employers to maximise the trainees’ opportunities to continue to work in their role whilst moving forward in their career path.

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The project was announced at a Childcare Industry (sic.) Roundtable, held in June 2019, that discussed industry’s workforce requirements and explored innovative options to strengthen training.

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The second, a pre-traineeship program, will prepare 30 new childcare workers for careers in the growing sector – a new sector where traineeship and apprenticeship training models have now been introduced.

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The four-week program will be delivered by Hessel Group’s training arm, Enhance Training, and will equip participants with basic skills needed to excel in an early learning environment.

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At least 21 participants will continue into a formal traineeship or work placement on completion of the program, earning a Certificate III while employed as a child care aide.

To learn more about Skilling South Australia, or to suggest a project, please visit their website, here.