St Nicholas Pathways training centre opened in Maitland, boosting ECEC students

Both St Nicholas Early Education and St Nicholas Pathways at Maitland were officially blessed and opened by Bishop Bill Wright last Friday, adding not only 75 early childhood education and care (ECEC) places to the suburb, but also a range of study options and ongoing professional development for ECEC professionals. 

The service allows aspiring ECEC professionals to access a range of study options including a school-based apprentice/trainee (SBAT) program, an industry immersion program, and ongoing professional development opportunities for new and existing St Nicholas employees.

The opening was attended by a number of government dignitaries, diocesan employees, Pathways program partners and other key stakeholders and partners, and began with a Welcome to Country by James Wilson Miller of the Wonnarua people, followed by the children and educators of St Nick’s Maitland, who came  from their centre to demonstrate how they acknowledge country each morning.

Sean Scanlon, CEO, Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle used his remarks to reflect on how far St Nicholas has come since it began as an idea some five years ago, saying the excitement about the Pathways program was palpable. 

“We are proud of the fabulous centre we have here and the care it provides for the children who attend, but perhaps the thing we are most excited about is our Pathways program which is already running from this facility,” he said. 

“We know that parents have hopes and dreams for their children, even from an early age like the children in this centre today. They particularly hope that when they get closer to the end of their schooling that they will either find employment or move into further education. With St Nicholas Pathways, we are achieving both of those.”

General Operations Manager for St Nicholas education, Kerri Armstrong thanked the various people who have made St Nicholas — and the Maitland centre in particular — possible.

The importance of the training facility for the region was highlighted by local member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, who said that the facility will likely attract trainees from across the Hunter region, with the purpose built facility offering an attractive proposition to those hoping to study in the sector.