Robinvale community building an early years workforce
Published on 06 August 2024
An exciting local partnership in Robinvale may be the unique combination needed to tackle the areas increasing demand for childcare and kindergarten educators.
The partnership, including Sunraysia Mallee Ethnic Communities Council (SMECC), Robinvale Euston Workforce Network (REWN), Swan Hill Rural City Council, Our Place Robinvale, Robinvale District Health Service, SuniTAFE, the Y Ballarat and Robinvale College, have banded together to offer interested residents of Robinvale the opportunity and support needed to undertake early childhood studies.
SMECC, with the support of Robinvale Our Place, have assisted thirteen people to undertake a free pre-accreditation program, designed to support participants to build essential skills prior to undertaking early childhood studies.
Despite the success of this stage of the program, participants may face major constraints when they look to enroll in formal studies in Early Childhood Education and Care.
Constraints such as funding the course, forgoing paid employment to undertake placement and travelling out of town for studies may restrict participants from furthering their studies.
Council’s Director Cultural and Community Services, Bruce Myers has been extremely pleased with the interest received from the community and the commitment from the areas partnership in getting this program off the ground, however is concerned that without further support the shortage of skills in the area may persist.
“Having more trained individuals will make a significant impact on addressing the skilled shortages in early childhood in the Robinvale area,”
“This is about a community getting together and solving this shortage, for the benefit for everyone,” Mr Myers added.
Robinvale Our Place Manager, Cindy Hinterholzl said she is pleased with the progress made on solving the desperate need for early childhood educators, but stresses that more needs to be done.
“We would really love to see the program through for our participants, and for the community of Robinvale to have a healthy supply of trained early childhood educators would really ease childcare woes for many families,” Ms Hinterholzl said.
“To keep this momentum going, we are seeking local businesses or individuals that may be interested in providing assistance and investing in the future of Robinvale,”
“Ideally, we want to be in a position where we can ask our participants what they need from us. Whether it be financial support or even through the access of a computer to enable them to complete assignments,” added Ms Hinterholzl.
If you or your business is interested in financial sponsorship, please contact either Cindy Hinterholzl, Our Place Robinvale 0414 695 723, or Glenn Stewart, Robinvale Euston Workforce Network 0428 347 151.