It’s A Win Win Win!

You know we love a good news story here, so when we heard about the fantastic traineeships and career pathways the Explorers Learning Academy Centres in Mittagong were providing for their staff, we wanted to find out more. 

These guys are building their team of amazing educators with enthusiastic and passionate staff – of all ages and from all backgrounds – by supporting them with a traineeship program that allows them to work and learn on the job while gaining qualifications. 

Many of the educators who complete the traineeship then continue to upskill even more, signing up for Diplomas and focusing on making a career in the super important early learning sector.

Sounds great, right?

We chatted to some of the educators taking this pathway to a new career and Lindsay, Explorers’ General Manager to hear more about the benefits of a program like this at a local Highlands early learning centre.

BENEFIT 1 :: It’s an awesome option for any stage of your career or life

One of the cool things we noticed about the educators at Explorers is they’re all different ages. From school leavers through to grandmothers – how good is that? 

“The traineeship is fantastic for somebody just starting out on their career journey right through to someone who is looking for a change or a new challenge,” says Lindsay. 

“Everyone has something to offer from their life experience.”

We spoke to educator Mary who had completed a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care after working in aged care and as a teacher’s aide. 

“There’s so many knowledgeable and experienced staff here at Explorers but as I was going through the traineeship program myself, I realised how much of my own life experience from being a mum and grandmother I was bringing to work every day too,” Mary told us.

BENEFIT 2 :: Learn and Earn

Now, while there’s the practical side of things being covered here, such as drawing a wage while you’re studying which always helps [especially at the moment –  we see you $13 lettuce!!] there’s also the benefit of linking the theory of what you learn to the practical side of the job as you work with the children. 

“You’re applying what you’re learning in real time,” says Explorers educator, Jade. 

“You’re also learning so much from the other staff from watching what they do and how they do it.”

Lindsay agrees.

“Many of the experienced educators unofficially mentor those going through the traineeship program as they study. Sharing knowledge across the whole team is one of the things that helps us deliver a high level of quality early education every day,” she says.

Explorers Learning Academy also invest in their own staff. They’re currently paying for one of their team to complete their uni degree so she doesn’t have a HECS debt at the end of three years – how good is that??

BENEFIT 3 :: Explorers have a highly qualified and engaged team of educators

It makes sense to invest in your team, doesn’t it?

“It’s a work culture thing too. The focus we have on developing the skills of all our educators  underpins the relationships we have with each other and with the children and their families,” says Lindsay.

“Explorers is one big family,” says educator Maddison.

“Everyone is really generous with their time. As part of the traineeship, we can study while we’re at work too. There are resources here like text books and if we’re stuck on something, who better to ask than one of the team who has had loads of experience?”

Lindsay also points out that Explorers don’t provide traineeships and study support for the roles THEY need. They continue to support the educator to keep growing and studying.

“We don’t stop when we’ve got what WE need. We want our educators to keep growing, learning and we work with them to create a career pathway for them,” she says. 
Educator Jemma is the perfect example of that.

“I completed my Certificate III in a year and now I’m working towards getting my Diploma with the goal to become a Room Leader. Then I’ve got my eye on the ECT [Early Childhood Teacher] qualification which allows me to work with children from 0 – 8,” Jemma explains.

BENEFIT 4 :: When educators are connected to their work, they’re connected to the children and families they work with

“We’re here because we love working with kids,” says Mary. 

“It’s just so amazing getting to watch them grow  – from crawling to walking, talking, seeing their little personalities become big personalities – it’s such a privilege and we’re all so committed to their development.”

So many of the educators we spoke to mentioned how they’re still part of the children’s lives long after they move on to primary school.

“We see them in the street and they still give us cuddles. It’s so special,” says educator, Rachael.

“It’s so great knowing we’re part of the bigger journey for them. We’re getting them ready for primary school and it’s a privilege to be there for them right at the beginning of their lifelong education journey.”

BENEFIT 5 :: The Early Learning sector is strong, growing and pandemic proof!

It’s been quite the crazy ride for so many industries these past couple of years and the early learning sector is no different, but as we saw during lockdowns, so many parents still had to work – thank you essential workers!!! – so early learning centres stayed open. 

“Our founder, Eleanor really looked after the whole Explorers team during the pandemic,” Lindsay points out. 

“She made sure our staff didn’t lose one hour of income. It was really important to her that they all had a sense of certainty and security at a time when people were scared and uncertain. This was amazing.”

So good!

BENEFIT 6 :: Happy kids and families!

Yep! When early learning educators are engaged, motivated and passionate about what they do, how does that show up?

In the wonderful experiences the children have at Explorers.

We know as parents ourselves that choosing an early learning centre is a huge decision and it’s just a massive weight off your mind when you know your children are not only having loads of fun, but that their growth and development is also being nurtured.

“Everyone in this sector loves working with kids – it’s the best part!” laughs Lindsay.

“You get to sing with them, dance around, and they make us laugh so much – kids are the best. We love creating strong relationships with them and playing a special role in these very important early years of their lives.”

Totally. We love it – thanks Explorers team!

Highlanders, if you’re looking for a rewarding and stable career, then the early education and care sector could be for you! Great educators and carers are in high demand, and the expected growth across the sector over the next few years is big. 

Reach out and chat to the team at Explorers Learning Academy about career opportunities and traineeships. You don’t need to have any experience in the sector – regardless of wherever you are in your career, a traineeship could be a great option for you. 

Explorers are always on the lookout for new team members in their growing centres, so give them a shout on 4880 1768 or check out more information about Explorers on their website.

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