Big Fat Smile celebrates pre-employment program graduates

Freya Lucas

Jan 06, 2023

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Early childhood education and care (ECEC) provider Big Fat Smile has celebrated its most recent group of pre-employment program graduates. This story originally appeared on the Big Fat Smile Blog. Access the original here.

The pre-employment program supports youth in the Illawarra region who are interested in launching their career working with children and is offered in collaboration with ECTARC, Kiama Community College, the Illawarra Yes Program and the Department of Education.

Nine young adults aged 17 to 24 participated in the program, completing units of competency in Workplace Health and Safety, Food Safety and First Aid. The participants also had the opportunity to complete practical on-the-job experience through weekly work experience in a Big Fat Smile Early Learning and Care or Before and After School Care service.

Andrew completed his work experience at Unanderra Fun Club working with children aged 5-12 years of age, and said he enjoyed his time there where he was mentored and encouraged by the experienced team at the service.

Saw Mo, who completed her work experience at Kenny Street Community Preschool, received beautiful feedback from the Director of the service, Jane Morgan, who said “Saw did so well. She showed lots of initiative, and the team really liked her. She did really well with the babies, she was like the sleep whisperer!’

To learn more about the program please see here. Information about Big Fat Smile is available here.

This story originates from the Big Fat Smile blog. Access the original story here.

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