Chisholm Institute has been working with TAFEs across Victoria to support trainees to work and study locally as part of Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships program. The program supports a range of people including, young people entering the workforce, long-term unemployed, recent migrants and those changing careers.
All trainees undertaking a Certificate III or Diploma through the Chisholm program are invited to participate in the Gaining the Edge workshop. This partnership between Chisholm Institute and Foundation Learning Centre helps students to develop the skills they need to complete their early childhood education traineeship and thrive in employment.
Helping to achieve goals
Once linked to an early childhood education service through Chisholm Institute, trainees are invited to take part in a 2-day job readiness workshop with the Foundation Learning Centre.
The free workshop focuses on employability and resilience. The topics covered include time management, collaborative learning, employer expectations and common challenges in the workplace.
About 190 trainees have taken part in the Gaining the Edge program since it launched.
Recent participant Jessica Houston said she found the program hugely beneficial.
During her time on parental leave, Jessica became interested in a career change from administration to early childhood education. She completed the Gaining the Edge workshop in October 2024.
‘The program helped me to prepare to return to the workplace,’ Jessica said. ‘I found the workplace techniques taught very useful.’
Jessica said the program also prompted her to set goals for her future in the early childhood sector.
‘It got me thinking about my next steps and progressing in early childhood education,’ Jessica said.
‘I really enjoyed working with the children and getting to know them. It was a really good career change for me.’
Jessica is currently doing her Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
The Gaining the Edge partnership between Chisholm Institute and The Foundation Learning Centre was a finalist in the 2024 Victorian Learn Local Awards.
Find out more
For more information about TAFE traineeships offered through the Early Childhood Tertiary Partnership program, including the Gaining the Edge program, refer to the Chisholm Institute webpage.
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