Happy Haven OSHC educator Kayla benefits from Cert III traineeship

Kayla Rainsford, a finalist in the 2021 South Australian Training Awards, has shared the story of her pathway into vocational education and training (VET) and the early childhood education and care (ECEC) sector more broadly. 

Ms Rainsford, who attended Springbank Secondary College and Unley High School, has completed her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care with the support of MADEC and her employer, Happy Haven OSHC Pty Ltd. 

She made the decision to join the sector after a friend told her of opportunities available through Happy Haven, and the influence of her mother’s chosen career of junior primary teacher. 

“I undertook a workplace learning agreement placement at Happy Haven OSHC in Mitcham and that gave me the opportunity to see if the industry (sic.) was right for me,” she said.

“From the minute I walked through the door, I knew it was the correct VET pathway, and I expressed my interest in a traineeship. The feedback I received from the interview was that I made a significant impact on all who were present, and I was one of their leading applicants.”

The experience of completing a school based traineeship and having the Certificate III qualification is one which Ms Rainford recommends to others, saying her pathway has given her a better understanding of, and direction for, her future career goals, with plans to become an OSHC Director.

While continuing her traineeship in 2021, she is now completing a Certificate IV in School Age Education and Care and enjoying her peer support role and the administrative side of the ECEC sector.

“I would like to complete my Certificate IV and start my Diploma in School Age Education and Care in 2022 and become a qualified educator as a mature 18-year-old, with two years on the job experience,” Ms Rainsford said in closing.

The 2021 South Australian Training Awards recognition event will be held 27 August. For more information about the Awards, please see here.