Geelong’s One World for Children celebrates Training Awards win

Freya Lucas

Sep 05, 2024

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One World for Children, located in the regional Victorian community of Geelong, has been named Small Employer of the Year at the Victorian Training Awards gala.

The service offers both early learning and outside school hours care options for children aged between birth and twelve years of age, as well as being a registered training organisation (RTO) which offers both a Certificate III and a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.

Having the RTO colocated with the early childhood education and care (ECEC) services allows a strong link between employment and training, a deliberate move by the provider to ensure qualifications had high levels of sector relevance.

To support learners One World offers employees a trainer partner, who guides them on an individual learning journey.

In 2023 the provider supported 22 per cent of employees the option to undertake qualifications, with staff and students also encouraged to complete non-accredited training such as being mentored by the artist in residence to develop creative arts programs.

Commenting on the win general manager Carol Pundij said it was a “massive thrill” to be recognised.

“As a service, there’s a lot we do that is unique, and we do it well, and have for a long time,” Ms Pundij shared with local news source Geelong Advertiser.

“Recognition in our sector can be hard to achieve, but we work hard and for us, it’s always about quality outcomes, and we push hard against the odds.”

One World for Children is a family business which has been in operation for 27 years, and this is the first award which has recognised the significant efforts made to contribute to high quality in the ECEC sector.

The service will now automatically be Victoria’s nomination for the same category at the Australian Training Awards later in the year.

To access the Geelong Advertiser story on One World’s win please see here.

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