Aussie Childcare Network Forum

Hi
I'm just wondering if I could get some info... I'm thinking of getting into child care, I'm a 22 year old female I finished high school in yr 10 (so no vce) and have been working as a receptionist for the last 4 years. I'm wondering if I should and if I'm able to get a traineeship and do cert 3 in 12 months (I don't no if anyone will take me on because I'm 22) or if I should just do the cert 3 in 6months and after that try and find a job in child care while studying for the diploma. Also what is the pay rates in victoria if you don't mind me asking

Thanks

Hey L.A, thank you so much for your help! Yeah I thought a traineeship would be best I just didn't know if I was to old (like they where looking for younger trainee's). So that wage is for trainee's? That's fine with me I mean at least I'm getting heaps of experience thanks heaps again! Do you have any tips as to what's the best way or time of year to get a traineeship? Also is there anywhere in melbourne that would be an awesome child care centre to work at or to steer clear from (I've heard of some bad ones out there )
Really appreciate the feedback thanks again

I'm really keen to get started ASAP

Thank you so much! Very helpful! I've looked online and there doesn't seem to be much. Do you think I should pop into some centre's with my resume?
Thank you for all your help i'm very keen to start a new career

So I called up expect a star and i have an interview next week im so excited!!! Has any one worked with them before? I'm doing a traineeship with them where i'll go to diffrent centres and work till my traineeship is over but i dont no what happens after that, will I get a job out of it?
Also I have to get the first aid and anaphylaxis coures's but there is so many diffrent types of them does anyone know which one I need? first aid 1,2 or 3 and is it anaphylaxis and asthma?
thanks again

Once you have your Cert III provided they do not want you to give them X amount of work you should easily be able to find work as an assistant. I am a Director and when I look through resumes that come my way I prefer persons who have completed their qualifications and have experience. At the end of 12 months you will have both so I cannot imagine why you will have any difficulty finding work.
Good luck with it all

L.A- Yeh i'm super excited no waiting around lol soon as I got off the phone to expect a star I went down to the post office and sent off my working with children check and did my first aid course the next day They said that the course fee's will come out of my pay which is cool with me
fefe76- Thanks for the assurance i'm really excited to start my new career

Another quick question I did my first aid course and I know that I need to do the anaphylaxis course but the teacher at the first aid course told me that I must to the asthma course aswell is this correct? I could have sworn that the lady at expect a star told me I only had to do the anaphylaxis and first aid....
I should probably do it anyway but if I don't have to do before I start working that would be a bonus
Thanks again for everyones answers

You will need 1st aid, CPR, anaphylaxis & asthma training

Ok great thank you
I'll let you's know how I go

Asthma and anaphylaxis can be done in a day via St John. Although they are separate classes, they are each half day classes and in Melbourne at least one is taught in the morning and the other in the afternoon, after a break for lunch.

Also, after your training is done, if you don't get work through Expect a Star, try seeing what your local council has on offer. Of the the centres I've worked at, I greatly prefer my current job with the council in terms of both wages and work enviroment.

Thanks northlight yeah I'll look into that! Do you know if the council does traineeships at all?

Not knowing your council, I can't say. My local council doesn't do Cert III traineeships, but will pay for Cert IIIs to move up to diploma trained. You should be able to call your council offices and talk to someone about your options.

Just a warning though, in my experience council centres have a very low turnover rate, so you'll likely need to work your way in as casual staff.

I would just go to centers and ask them if they will take you on as a trainee. CPR anaphylaxis & asthma training can be done in a day through various providers.
Other option is just enroll in Cert III & find work as unqualified assistant.

Hi ladies, So I went to the interview I answered all there questions although it didn't really feel like an interview they where mostly telling us about what we would be doing etc anyway I thought it went great, they where happy friendly an there where only 3 other ladies in the group. Anyway they said that I didn't have enOugh experience even thou it's a traineeship it put me on a massive downer the lady on the phone said that I pretty much got the job because they need people asap and i spoke pefectly and answered all her quires right. I presented my self well I wore slacks a nice top and a blazer but I honestly think I didn't get it because of my past job I worked as a receptionist/manager for a tattoo studio/art gallery and I think that maybe that has scared them away. Anyway I'm still going to look around For a traineeship I'm not giving up because this is the career I want! Thank you all so much for your help!!

Personally I feel that is a bit rude if they have told you they only gave you a job because they need people and you do not have enough experience for a traineeship. That is the whole point of a traineeship!!! you don't have experience and gain it while working!!!
I would go around to childcare centres and speak to them personally and see if anyone will take you on. I am not a fan of "agencies" and sometimes the quality of their staff is debatable. I have had casual staff from the company you interviewed with and they have been shocking to the point I have had to call up complain and ask their names be put on my file and not to send them to my centre again

Thank you!! I was thinking the same thing!! Of course I don't have experience that's why i'm looking for a traineeship!!!!
Wow!! The way they were talking they only hire the best and blah blah blah, yeah I won't be applying through an agency again!

Print out a resume and cover letter highlighting why you want to work in the industry and any experience with children even if its looking after family members children etc and why you want a traineeship. Go to centres personally and ask to speak to the Director and go from there