Congratulations to Talecia Mills, a participant in the Pilbara early learning workforce program Thriving Futures, who recently celebrated her one-year anniversary working at YMCA Newman Early Learning Centre!
Child Australia founded Thriving Futures last year with the support of BHP to address the ongoing shortage of childcare availability in the Pilbara.
Since then, it has placed eight candidates like Talecia with employment at early learning centres in Newman, enabling them to increase their capacity for additional children to attend childcare.
“The scholarship opportunity I have been given to study my Diploma through Thriving Futures is fantastic,” Talecia said.
“I’m very grateful and am so glad I get to put my theoretical skills into practice right away.”
Child Australia Executive Director of Business Development and Innovation Dr Vick Absalom, said the Thriving Futures program has enabled new childcare places for children and families in Newman.
“The Thriving Futures program in Newman has been really positive, with additional qualified early educators placed in participating early learning centres,” she said.
“Through regular support, consultation, mentoring and training the program continues to enable more early educators into early learning career pathways.”
Talecia began her journey with Thriving Futures in September 2020 as a qualified Certificate III Educator and through the program she is progressing towards a Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care.
As part of the program, Talecia has benefitted from ongoing mentorship from highly qualified childcare professionals Connie Borg and Trina Bourke. Connie continues to work closely with Talecia as she undertakes her Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care, providing her with one-on-one mentoring to develop her confidence and skill set working with children.
Thriving Futures helps support candidates like Talecia obtain qualifications in Early Childhood Education and Care through funded scholarships. For those who don’t have any previous experience in the sector, Thriving Futures also runs an accredited Academy Program that, upon completion, enables candidates to accelerate their journey towards a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
