Position Number
55/25
Location
ECTARC Smith Street Education and Care Service - Wollongong
Status
Full time, Fixed term - 18 month contract
Closing Date
13/07/2025
About The Service
ECTARC Smith Street is centrally located in Wollongong’s CBD, close to local schools, with easy access to the freeway, train station and buses, providing convenience for families travelling to work. Situated directly behind the old peach coloured Surf Life Saving building, we provide some off-road parking. ECTARC Smith Street is a 40-place service for children from birth to school age.
ECTARC Smith Street support each child to reach their full potential, igniting a passion for lifelong learning. For this to be achieved, children need to feel safe and secure. We believe children should be allowed to be children, engaged in the present and have opportunities to learn about themselves. We respect the rights of each child, listening and responding to their voice and giving them space to be powerful and active contributors in their own learning. Our program also aims to support each child to become a global citizen
About The Role
ECTARC Smith Street are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic trainee who is looking to start their career in early childhood education. During the 24-month traineeship you will gain valuable knowledge and experience whilst working and studying alongside our qualified and supportive educators to complete your Certificate III in Early Education and Care.
ECTARC is also a registered training organisation. We have Training and Development Officers who also support you to gain the skills and experience you’ll need to be able to work at your very best in our service.
Once you complete your Certificate III qualification, we can provide you with real job opportunities in the future.
Originally known as Illawarra Area Child Care (IACC) our organisation was incorporated in October 1985 and have a proud history of providing optimum education and training services.
ECTARC is proudly a not-for-profit organisation, that successfully manages education and care services in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven. Our specialist early childhood knowledge, extensive experience and commitment to early education and care for children is why we are a respected leader in the sector. We live by our vision of enriching the futures for the children, families, students and our communities.
We have a professional, experienced leadership team at our head office who support and resource our ECTARC services to strengthen quality learning and education programs. ECTARC is committed to providing optimum work environments for staff with ongoing professional development opportunities.
ECTARC is committed to being a child safe organisation. We understand that the safety and wellbeing of all children is paramount, we aim to provide environments where all children feel safe and are safe. ECTARC has policies and systems to protect children, and all allegations and safety concerns will be treated seriously.
At ECTARC our vision for reconciliation is to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and rights promoting an organisational culture of respect, equality, equity, and cultural safety. We envisage an Australia where all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples participate equally in early childhood education and training to achieve best educational outcomes. Through our work with young children, families, students, and the community we hope to contribute to an Australian society that proudly recognises, celebrates and respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.
Essential Criteria
- Age 18 years or over
- A genuine interest in working with young children
- A commitment to undertaking the practical and theoretical components of the program
- A current Working with Children Check clearance number (or be willing to obtain)
Desirable Criteria
- Current First Aid Certificate (HLTAID012 – Provide emergency First Aid in an education and care setting)
Next Steps
Course fees are covered
A bonus $1250.00 paid to you every six months throughout your traineeship
Three hours paid study time off the floor each week
Mentoring and support from a dedicated Educator in your team and trainee study groups with an experienced Early Childhood Coordinator.
At ECTARC we pay highly competitive salaries above the award rate in accordance with the policies and procedures of ECTARC including
- Above award wages
- 50% discount on childcare fees for staff’s children enrolled in our quality services.
- Paid parental leave – 6 weeks top up.
- Annual ECTARC leave day and 2-3 weeks end of year closure period.
- Wellness program including access to our EAP for you and your family.
- An inclusive work environment.
- EC Management team provides coaching, mentoring and support.
- Two annual planning days and opportunities to join organisational network meetings.
- Paid professional learning via ECTARC’s online learning platform and access to internal and external training and conferences.
- Support for further study and qualifications.
- Opportunities for career advancement across our early childhood education and training services.
We have a comprehensive induction process and a dedicated wellbeing program to support you and your family.
Successful applicants will be required to undergo pre-employment screening and probity checks.
ECTARC is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applicants from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background to apply for this position.
If you have any questions in regards to this position please call ECTARC on (02) 4223 1100 or email employment@ectarc.com.au.
