Bega Valley Council supports regional ECEC workforce through new traineeships

Four trainees have joined Bega Valley Shire Council’s early childhood education team, supporting local services while working towards nationally recognised qualifications.

 

The two-year traineeships will see Korie Dee, Ella Buckle, Ella McDonald and Erin Allamby-Flint gain a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care while working across Council-operated services.

 

Council CEO Anthony McMahon said the traineeships respond to local workforce challenges and reflect Council’s long-term commitment to supporting education and care in the region.

 

“Early childhood education and care is a vital input to the economy of the Bega Valley,” Mr McMahon said.

 

“These traineeships help address local skills shortages while giving young people a meaningful career path in a sector that will continue to grow.”

 

Building capacity across Council-run services

 

Bega Valley Shire Council operates Bandara Children’s Services in Bega, Eden Early Learning Centre and the Sapphire Mobile Preschool, which supports children in the communities of Bemboka and Candelo.

 

These services provide early learning experiences to a diverse cohort of children and families from across the region.

 

Ella Buckle is completing her traineeship at Bandara Children’s Services after spending time there as a school-based trainee. She now works with up to 12 children each day, aged from 11 months to two and a half years.

 

“I really like looking after the babies. They get excited to see me when I walk into the room and that’s a great feeling,” she said.

 

“It’s great to know I am helping them develop and grow.”

 

Ella hopes to continue her studies after her Certificate III, with aspirations to complete a Diploma and eventually a Bachelor degree in early education to support children with additional needs.

 

From agriculture to early education

 

At Eden Early Learning Centre, 17-year-olds Erin Allamby-Flint and Ella McDonald are working with preschool-aged children.

 

Erin previously studied agriculture and said the decision to pursue a traineeship came after a positive work experience placement.

 

“We focus on early literacy preparation, phonics and recognising words, which are really important for children heading to school,” she said.

 

“The relationships you build with children and families create a nurturing and creative environment. It’s rewarding work, even though it can be tiring on busy days.”

 

Ella McDonald said she enjoys seeing each child’s individual growth and development over time.

 

“It’s interesting getting to know the children and seeing their potential,” she said. “I like running into them outside of work too, at footy training or in the shops. It strengthens those relationships with the families.”

 

Mobile preschool delivers flexible care

 

Korie Dee is completing her traineeship at Sapphire Mobile Preschool, travelling between Bemboka and Candelo throughout the week to support children aged three to five years.

 

“We’ll build sandcastles, do some drawing, read books or act out stories in dress-ups. I love seeing how proud the children are of what they create,” she said.

 

Korie previously worked as a nanny and is now considering a long-term career in home-based early education and care.

 

“I’ve always been happy to help out with younger children around me. This traineeship is helping me build a career out of something I really enjoy.”

 

Investing in local early education

 

Mr McMahon said early education is essential to workforce participation, community wellbeing and regional economic development.

 

“Whether these trainees stay with Council or move into the private sector, they will bring lasting value to the community,” he said.

 

“We thank Korie, Erin, Ella and Ella for choosing to build their careers locally and contribute to high-quality early learning in the Bega Valley.”

 

This article first appeared on Mirage News and has been adapted for The Sector.