Strong showing from the ECEC sector in the Victorian Training Awards

A number of members of the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector have been represented in the Victorian Training Awards as finalists. 

 

In the school-based apprentice or trainee of the year space, Year 12 student Chloe Zouch-Ristic has been recognised for using her initiative, being organised and being a valuable team member. 

 

Ms Zouch-Ristic is completing her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care with Cire Training while working at an early learning centre, and completing high school. 

 

In the large employer of the year space, ECEC provider G8 Education, which has more than 430 services across Australia, has drawn attention for its key talent pipeline strategy, the Study Pathways program. 

 

By partnering with leading RTO’s and universities, the group offers its team the opportunity to obtain qualifications from Certification III to masters through a comprehensive support structure. G8 Education supports career development for under-represented groups, and the scale of the business allows the provision of a market-leading employment offer.

 

South West TAFE has been named as a finalist in the large training provider of the year space, noted for contributing to a skilled and vibrant workforce in their region of Victoria, and for being the largest VET provider in the south west, with six campuses servicing 125,000 people. In 2022, they trained nearly 7,000 outer-regional enrolments resulting in around 5,909 jobs, and 993 students utilising Skills First skill sets to respond to regional skills shortages.

 

Through new training models and updated facilities and equipment, enrolments are building in aged and disabled carers, registered nurses, welfare support workers, and early childhood development workers. 

 

Finally, in the industry collaboration award space, the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology developed a culturally customised vocational qualification – the Diploma of Community Services.

 

The course covers statutory and forensic child and family welfare, and equips their workforce with case management skills to support Aboriginal children and families. The program is delivered flexibly, and incorporates work-based scenarios, cultural safety principles, and trauma-informed practice. Since commencement in 2018, over 120 VACCA staff have completed the program.

 

Winners will be announced on Friday, 18 August 2023. Learn more about the awards here.