Priscilla finds support to start ECEC career thanks to specialised program

Employment support provider genU recently supported school leaver Priscilla to access a career in early childhood education and care (ECEC) through a traineeship.

After working with an employment mentor, Priscilla identified an interest in both hospitality and ECEC, developing an action plan with a number of SMART goals to gain experience and secure employment.

She then participated in a series of hospitality industry work experience opportunities to build on her employability skills and knowledge, learning kitchen hand, customer service and cleaning skills along the way.

This led to two days a week of paid employment as a kitchen hand at Pipsqueaks Early Learning Centre in the Victorian town of Lara. genU further supported the Pipsqueaks team by delivering Disability Awareness Training to help the team understand more about how to support a coworker with disabilities to have a positive employment experience.

Priscilla became a valued member of the Pipsqueaks team over time and realised she loved the idea of working with the children and has now secured a traineeship at Pipsqueaks, working four days a week in the centre and travelling one day a week to Melbourne to complete TAFE qualifications.

“I love working with kids,” Priscilla said. “They are wonderful little personalities and communicate well. I feel safe and respected by the staff.”

“genU helped to find and recommend me for the position with Pipsqueaks and the volunteering has given me some great experiences,“ she added.

Since beginning her traineeship, the genU team has supported Priscilla to deliver ongoing post placement support, not only to Priscilla, but also to the Pipsqueaks team and parents as required. 

Learn more about genU here.