Media Releases 2012
New recruitment process is child’s play
9 Jan 2012
In an effort to improve child care services, Wyong Shire Council’s six Care & Education centres will have seven high-quality trainees start work on 23 January, thanks to a new selection process.
The new recruitment process adopted by Council, in partnership with State Training Services Hunter and TAFE Central Coast, helps to provide the best childcare possible and realise cost savings.
Council’s Lifelong Learning Manager, Adam Holland, said this was a fantastic program that demonstrates Council’s commitment to providing superior care within the industry.
“Fifteen trainee candidates were involved in a thorough process, which included five weeks of training provided by TAFE and nine days of work experience in one of Councils’ Care and Education centres,” he said.
“We were able to get an idea of each applicant’s level of commitment as well as how they interacted with the children and other staff, which helped us choose the most suited applicants for the position.”
The candidates chosen will complete the Certificate III in Children’s Services as part of their traineeship, and as they have already completed five units they will be able to spend more time at the centres and less time at TAFE.
To implement this new program funding was received through the Strategic Skills Program provided by State Training Services.
Council’s Workforce Development Advisor, Linda Sutton, said the successful partnership between Council, State Training Services Hunter and TAFE Central Coast had delivered some excellent outcomes.
“Council’s saved $30,000 as a result of the assistance from State Training Services Hunter to fund the training program as well as providing career opportunities for our residents.
“Savings could also be realised throughout the year, as absent permanent childcare staff don’t have to be replaced because trainees will already be at the centres as part of their TAFE course,” she said.
Council will seek further funding through the Strategic Skill Program to repeat the success of this process for the Care & Education trainees throughout 2012.
Visit Council’s website at www.wyong.nsw.gov.au for more information on Council’s Care and Education centres.
Media contact: Angela Walsh (02) 4350 5103