Five reasons to consider taking on trainees in your early learning service right now!

As you would be acutely aware, the ongoing supply of highly-skilled, capable employees is imperative to ensure that your early learning service continues to thrive.

It is in this context that ACA would like to ensure that every one of our members knows about the advantages of taking on trainees and the current financial support available to you.

Below are five reasons we urge you to consider taking on one or more trainees in the near future: 

1/ Opportunity to train new candidates YOUR way
When you take on trainees at your early learning service, you have the advantage of being able to show them exactly how things should be done correctly in your own unique work environment.

Not only will they get valuable hands on experience while they learn -  your trainees will also get a real sense of the support and teamwork that a positive work culture creates. Your trainees can proudly be known as “home grown” in your own service.

2/ Flexibility of trainees to meet your needs
We know that consistency is one of the keys to quality early learning services. Trainees may be included in the child to educator ratios, and can also work across a number of different ages, gaining valuable skills and experience.

Additionally, by employing an extra trainee or two you can ensure that consistency is maintained across the centre to cover staff absences and annual leave which helps keeps the cost down for replacing staff.  

3/ Current environment – strong pool of potential candidates
With many Australians directly impacted by COVID-19 job losses, early learning service providers should consider the opportunities that arise from a large cohort of people looking to change career paths.

A recent report* highlighting the impacts of COVID-19 on employment indicates that 3.3 million Australians are rethinking their career paths. This includes 1.38 million Millennials and 1.31 million Generation Xers. In this context, the opportunity to train up new candidates and build on the professional skillsets in your existing team is greater than ever before.
*ING Future Focus Report released in May 2020

4/ Creating solid career paths builds morale & increases staff retention  
While it’s tempting to dismiss staff turnover as a fact of life in today’s fast-moving job market, research* indicates that the reasons employees move on are surprisingly simple – factors such as a lack of career progression, competitive pay rates and workplace culture play a key role.

Implementing a traineeship program in your service, in the context of a broader career path from Cert III to Diploma, from early childhood educator to Early Childhood Teacher and Nominated Supervisor, can ensure that your incoming trainees feel confident they are investing in a solid, reliable and professional career path in the early learning sector. 
* Why Do Employees Stay? A Clear Career Path and Good Pay, for Starters – Harvard Business Review 

5/ It makes financial sense – take advantage of the BAC wage-subsidy program
To assist with the recovery from the impact of COVID-19, the Australian Government is providing support to all employers who take on trainees and apprentices.

The Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements wage subsidy supports businesses and Group Training Organisations to take on new trainees and apprentices, to build a pipeline of skilled workers to support sustained economic recovery.

Any business that engages an Australian Apprentice on or after 5 October 2020 may be eligible for a subsidy of 50 per cent of wages paid to an apprentice between 5 October 2020 and 30 September 2021, to a maximum of $7,000 per quarter. The wage subsidy initiative will be paid for a full 12 month period. 

Educators studying for their Certificate III and/or Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care will be eligible under the scheme.

You can read the Boosting Apprenticeships Commencements fact sheet here.

PLEASE NOTE: The subsidy is not available for trainees/apprentices receiving any other form of Australian Government wage subsidy e.g. Supporting Apprentices and Trainees, JobKeeper Payment or JobMaker Hiring Credit

ACA encourages taking on two trainees at a time – taking on two works well as it means they can both support each other in their educational journey.

Thanks to the quick support of three of our ACA South Australia members, we have developed a handful of case studies which illustrate the benefits that these service providers and their trainees have experienced, in the traineeship process. You can read their personal stories here.

For more information about taking on one or more trainees and how to apply for the BAC wage subsidy, contact one of the Australian Apprenticeship Support Network Providers that services your state.
 
Alternatively, get in touch with your local, trusted RTO if you already have a relationship.

PUBLISHED: 22 MARCH 2021