As part of Central Coast Council’s Little Coast Kids commitment to provide dedicated childcare educators, three new trainees started work earlier this month.

The trainees were selected through an innovative recruitment process in partnership with Training Services NSW and TAFE Ourimbah, delivering career opportunities for the local community.

Council’s Section Manager Care and Education, Mrs Beth Burgess, said the selection of trainees helps ensure the provision of the best childcare possible.

“Ten candidates went through four weeks of training provided by TAFE, which also included eight days of work experience at one of Council’s four Little Coast Kids Centres,” Mrs Burgess said.

“This process allows us to get an idea of each applicant’s level of commitment and see how well they interact with the children and other staff.

“Rather than selecting trainees solely through an interview process this method assists us to select the most suited and enthusiastic applicants for the positions allowing us to continue to provide superior care within the industry.”

Council’s Organisational Development Partner, Mrs Linda Sutton, said the successful partnership between Council, Training Services NSW and TAFE Ourimbah has helped deliver local job opportunities.

“Thanks to funding received through Training NSW we have been able to create entry level positions to help our community get a leg up in the very competitive job market on the Central Coast,” Mrs Sutton said.

“This process also improves job prospects for the unsuccessful candidates who went through the selection process as all candidates now possess a four week statement of attainment in the Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.

“TAFE Ourimbah will now continue to provide high quality training to the successful candidates through the remainder of the Diploma.”

The successful applicants, Amanda Bailey, Stephanie Fisher, Rebecca McGuire-Read, will be placed at either the Wyong or Kanwal Little Coast Kids Centres.