Fourth round of NCI partnerships now open to boost ECEC numbers

The Federal Government has announced that the fourth round of NCI partnership grants are now open, supporting more young people to improve their career outcomes.

Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Brendan O’Connor,  said the competitive, merit-based grants program provides funding for organisations to deliver innovative career guidance services for people at all stages of their careers, including those who are pursuing careers in early childhood education and care (ECEC).

More than $2.4 million will be directed to nine projects, including one which has a specific ECEC focus, along with others in agriculture, health and other industries and sectors. 

Compact Incorporated will deliver Next Level Careers, an ECEC project which is a regionally focussed career development industry partnership with NSW Riverina Murray early childhood services. The project aims to address workforce shortages by inspiring local youth to commence entry-level careers in the ECEC sector.

Many of the projects will also help disadvantaged groups of young people and those whose careers have been impacted by COVID-19, including young women, disengaged youth, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and migrants.

Projects will be delivered by education, training, employment and careers organisations, community groups, Aboriginal corporations and local governments to help young people to improve career outcomes and create education and training pathways.

Round four is specifically focused on supporting young people with their career decisions. This round builds on the previous NCI Partnership Grants funding rounds and is an important service to help people make career decisions.

There are now 79 projects supporting people across Australia. These projects help women to re-enter the workforce or change careers, young people plan their next steps, and students in primary school and Years 7–10 improve their career outcomes.

More information on the NCI is available at: www.dese.gov.au/nci