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Talent Now: Shaping the Future of ECEC Staffing with Innovative Solutions
Freya Lucas
Oct 15, 2024
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Demand for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) professionals is outstripping supply, and this is a situation which is only set to worsen over time.
Recently Australia’s Jobs and Skills Commissioner Professor Barney Glover AO warned that “current workforce levels are not sustainable,” and that Australia needs 21,000 more qualified professionals to meet current demand, a number that will only increase as we look to the future.Faced with this workforce shortfall, approved providers are turning their attention to the Government’s Worker Retention Payment in the hopes that it will provide some relief.
However, there are uncertainties, particularly for those who rely on recruitment agencies to fill casual staffing gaps. For instance, will the rebate be sufficient to cover agency casuals and would agencies be pressured to increase wages for educators? In turn, many ECEC leaders are wondering whether agency costs will rise as a result, and for those that do not opt into the grant, will they be disadvantaged by higher agency costs?
A Changing Landscape: The Worker Retention Payment and Talent Now’s Unique Approach
As services await more information on the level of funding they will receive as part of the Worker Retention Payment, Talent Now is already offering a solution that could address these concerns.
The company’s unique Connect solution, stands apart from traditional labour hire models by allowing casual educators to be employed directly by ECEC services, rather than the agency paying the educator.
This offers a cost-effective option for centres that still want access to high-quality casual staff without the burden of paying higher agency fees.
Talent Now: A Revolution in Casual Staffing for ECEC
The creation of Talent Now in 2018 by founder Liddy Korner was driven by the very challenges providers face today. As the first App-based casual staffing solution in Australia, Talent Now has changed the game for ECEC services by offering rapid, on-demand access to thousands of screened, ready to work educators. Described by many as the “Uber of childcare,” Talent Now provides a flexible, tech-driven approach that meets the evolving needs of childcare centres nationwide.
Talent Now offers two distinct staffing solutions.
For those looking for a more budget-friendly solution, Connect provides access to a 24/7 booking platform, leaving services to pay educators’ wages directly, while only incurring a small booking fee - starting as low as $30 per shift.
For services that want the convenience of having all administrative tasks managed externally, Talent Now provides the same 24/7 booking platform but handles educator payments and paperwork, invoicing centres directly for hours worked.
In a sector where staffing shortages can disrupt the workplace, Talent Now has become an essential partner for many ECEC services.
Flexibility and Empowerment for ECEC Services
What truly sets Talent Now apart is its dedication to empowering both services and educators.
By allowing centres to rate and favourite educators who have worked with them, Talent Now ensures that providers can build a pool of preferred staff, creating continuity and trust.
Educators, in turn, can accept jobs from services they enjoy working with, fostering a positive working relationship that benefits both parties.
At the core of Talent Now’s mission is Liddy’s commitment to transforming not only the recruitment process but also the working conditions for educators in the sector. As a female entrepreneur in a predominantly female workforce, she is deeply committed to creating fairer wages and better opportunities for early childhood educators, all while providing cost-effective, efficient solutions for services.
Trusted by the Sector: Real Stories of Impact
Talent Now’s innovative solutions have not gone unnoticed in the ECEC community.
Dena, the owner of The Little Village, described Talent Now as a true game-changer. “All I had to do was post the job, and minutes later I was notified that it was filled. Done, without the panic,” she said, highlighting how the platform has taken the stress out of her staffing struggles.
Sara, Director at Ballykin, echoed similar sentiments: “It’s only when you start using Talent Now that you realise its potential. The technology gives you total control. You send shifts to the staff you want, when you want. Great quality staff—passionate, dedicated, and enthusiastic.”
For Liddy, these testimonials reflect the very ethos of her business.
“Talent Now is a stand-alone organisation that offers transparency and trust,” she said.
“We’re not owned by a childcare provider like some agencies are, and that gives us the freedom to truly serve our clients’ needs.”
Looking Ahead: A New Era for ECEC Staffing
As Australia’s ECEC sector braces for the challenges ahead, Talent Now will continue to innovate and respond to change. With its adaptable solutions, tech-driven platform, and unwavering commitment to supporting both educators and services, Talent Now is poised to shape the future of early childhood education staffing for years to come.
For more information on how Talent Now can help your service thrive, visit the Talent Now website or contact the team by phoning 1800 840 889.
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