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Seena’s story showcases that it’s never too late to thrive in ECEC
Freya Lucas
Aug 24, 2023
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Seena is a mother, a new grandmother, and a recent early childhood education and care (ECEC) graduate. Her story of becoming qualified in the sector embodies the idea that it’s never too late to find a career that you love.
Seena’s story is about challenging yourself, being willing to face obstacles head on, to persevere, and to emerge triumphant, and it’s one the sector needs to hear.After watching her daughter-in-law thrive in her ECEC working life, Seena became curious about what the sector might hold for her, and began investigating her options.
Her grandchildren were happily attending Hessel Children’s Centre in Port Adelaide and Seena began talking to Centre Director Hana Simes about the next steps involved in working in the sector.
Ms Simes encouraged her to explore a traineeship, signing on to complete her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care with Enhance Training RTO, which also allowed her to work part time with Hessel Children’s Centre.
As a trainee, Seena received regular check-ins from many sources to ensure she is progressing and comfortable, creating a learning environment where any problems were able to be raised freely, and addressed to promote positive outcomes.
Field Officer Bernie Crafter was always available to support and encourage Seena, and to help her create plans to overcome the challenges of balancing work, home and study in order to get the traineeship completed.
"I love being with the children and helping them to understand their behaviour or watch them enjoy activities or listening to all the important things they need to share with me,” Seena shared.
While studying she loved the on the job aspect of learning, and now that she’s feeling more confident is always looking for ways to support her team, listening to coworkers, and blending in their ideas with her own lived experiences as a mother and grandmother.
"Seena has made incredible connections with families and children. She brings her extensive life skills and knowledge to her role,” Ms Simes said.
For Ms Crafter, working with Seena has been “an absolute delight”.
“Her outstanding character shines through, exemplifying wonderful values and a deep affection for the children she cares for. Affectionately known as ‘Nonna’ among everyone at Hessel Children's Centre, she naturally draws people to her with her magnetic personality.”
The Hessel Group congratulated Seena on contributing to a sector which desperately needs caring, competent and compassionate educators.
To learn more about studying with the Hessel Group, please see here.
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