As the early childhood education industry faces a detrimental staff shortage across the country, KKTC has sought ways to simplify and streamline the process of enrolling childcare trainees and apprentices.
By liaising with employers and apprenticeship centres, College Manager Sam Hendry has established a process to take the stress and hassle out of signing-up and enrolling trainees and apprentices.
“When we see such a desperate need for staff in sectors like childcare, it’s important to look into why jobs aren’t being filled and what processes could be improved to fix this problem,” Sam said.
“It seems that a big issue is in the process of onboarding and enrolling trainees and apprentices as this can often be a lengthy and complicated procedure.”
To further encourage job growth in the childcare sector, Australian Apprenticeships have introduced the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System, which aims to “build a more inclusive and sustainable economy”.
From 1 July, employers can claim a wage subsidy for apprentices in occupations on the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List – including childcare workers.
Childcare employers can claim the Priority Wage Subsidy for apprentices completing a Certificate III or higher-level qualification, which grants 10 per cent of wages for the first two years, and five per cent for the third year.
“An incentive such as this is a huge win for employers, especially after the closing of BAC (Boosting Apprenticeship Commencements) Fund at the end of the last financial year,” said Sam.
“When employers know that they will receive money-back on their employee wages, it really becomes a no-brainer and boosts the employment opportunities for aspiring childcare educators.”
For more information on the Australian Apprenticeships Incentive System, see our last post.
If you’re a childcare employer looking for staff, or an aspiring childcare worker looking to get started, upskill, or reskill, give our team a call on 1300 048 133 to learn more and enrol.
