Professional development
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ECEC provider Elements Childcare and Early Learning teams up with The Gordon
Freya Lucas
Feb 22, 2022
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Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Elements Childcare and Early Learning has joined forces with The Gordon, Victoria's largest regional stand-alone TAFE, to optimise students’ learning and working experience.
Elements is one of many ECEC providers supporting Gordon students, and Operations Manager Farryn Burrill has said she “relishes the opportunity” to place Gordon students in one of their four centres across Greater Geelong.“We love Gordon students,” Ms Burrill told local news source Surf Coast Times, saying “they come to us prepared to work and have a sound understanding of what they will be doing before they arrive for their placement.”
Reflecting on her placement, Gordon student Emily Barlett said the best aspect was being surrounded by professionals who guide and support the students.
“A highlight for me was learning from real-life scenarios, such as engaging with children and educators in a group or assisting educators during mealtime with children,” she said.
“These scenarios are ones you only physically experience whilst on placement, which is one of the many reasons these are such fantastic learning opportunities.”
With more than 900 children across Elements’ network, students need to hit the ground running, and are exposed to the everyday routine of the centres, learning from scenarios, including navigating family demands, interacting with children and working within a dynamic and fluid team.
“At Elements, we are always on the lookout for people who have a genuine love for working with children,” Ms Burrill said. During the interview process, she’s on the lookout for more than just the generic “I like working with children” response.
“ECEC is far more than that,” she explained.
“We know that Gordon graduates have the passion, enthusiasm and quality training to become wonderful educators and team members who are dedicated to the learning and development of each child.”
With demand across the sector at an all time high, Ms Burrill encouraged future educators to consider studying at TAFE or undertaking a traineeship to kickstart their career.
“There are amazing opportunities for career progression if you choose. We encourage team members to continue with a diploma to create the opportunity to lead a room, become an educational leader or further their pathways to university,” she added.
“We would love to see more men enter the sector too. They bring a different level of energy to the room. We see great connections being formed, and it gives children the opportunity to see that not all early childhood educators are women.”
Those who are interested in studying with The Gordon can view the website here. For the original coverage of this story see here.
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