Damien fell into a career in OSHC, but now says he wouldn’t have it any other way

Receiving a pamphlet advertising casual positions with a not-for-profit outside school hours care (OSHC) provider was a turning point in the life of Damien Marais, who was struggling with what to do next after completing Year 12. 

Ten years down the track, he is working as the Team Leader of Children’s Services Enrolments at Woden Community Service (WCS), and recently spoke to The RiotACT to encourage others to consider a career in OSHC.

“It wasn’t the direction I was planning, and I never thought I’d progress to where I am today, but my job has provided so many opportunities to learn and advance my career,” he said.

“I don’t think young people realise the incredible opportunities the children’s services sector can offer them.”

The broader early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector is ripe with opportunities for those who wish to develop their skills in working with children, with a number of scholarships and incentives available. 

Mr Marais said that for those who were in a similar situation to his own post school experience, a traineeship in the sector is an ideal way to get a feel for the role and be supported to gain a qualification. 

“When you’re working with children and families from different backgrounds, no two days are the same,” he said. 

“There’s so many study and learning opportunities, and you learn a lot of skills that are transferable into the management sector.”

To read the original coverage of this story please see here. To view a range of opportunities available in the OSHC sector, check out our jobs board, here.