What is the KWJ - Childcare Career Launch Pad
The KWJ Childcare Career Launch Pad is a unique initiative to support 80 people from priority cohorts in early childhood education traineeships. This project will be delivered in metropolitan Melbourne (Footscray, Craigieburn and Dandenong) and regional Victoria (Bendigo). The project is aimed at people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) and low-socioeconomic backgrounds facing marginalisation, disadvantage, and disengagement. These individuals may live in social housing, be long-term unemployed, or be at risk of long-term unemployment.
This project will utilise the "Earn & Learn" model, allowing participants to access paid employment while also undergoing skills training. This model will enable the participants to gain valuable work experience and financial stability while acquiring new skills that will benefit them long term.
The KWJ Childcare Career Launch Pad is a collaboration between two experienced and highly skilled community sector organisations. We aim to promote employment growth in early childhood education by upskilling individuals, facilitating their entry into paid employment, and providing mentoring to overcome social and other barriers to long-term employment. We will help individuals start rewarding careers in early childhood education by addressing the skills gap and socioeconomic barriers.
Our peer support program helps participants feel a sense of belonging and motivation.
The KWJ is a partnership of Kowanj Australasia and JobCo. Training
The strong collaboration between the two successful organisations is the key to ensuring high-quality service.
Who are the partners of the KWJ Childcare Career Launch Pad
Kowanj, a community-led organisation and member of the Local Jobs Program Task Force. As a medium for positive change, Kowanj responds to the emerging social, educational and employment needs of the African and CALD communities. Kowanj holds expertise in addressing the unemployment problems for refugee migrants, working exclusively with training providers and local businesses to create long-term employment outcomes, reduce poverty and support careers.
Kowanj has a substantial reach and success in advocacy, engagement and empowerment, recognised by the community and recently awarded The Victorian Multicultural Awards for Excellence 2022 Vocational Education and Training (accredited training).
What we want to achieve
The KWJ Childcare Career Launch Pad initiative has combined forces with childcare employers to create a dynamic alliance aimed at addressing the pressing need for skilled and dedicated childcare staff. This innovative partnership focuses on overcoming the shortage of qualified childcare professionals while simultaneously enhancing the skills and productivity of existing staff, resulting in mutual benefits for both employers and workers alike.
Through this collaborative effort, the alliance envisions a brighter future for the childcare industry, where well-trained and motivated staff provide high-quality care and education to children, leading to better outcomes for the children and their families. In addition, the Alliance is committed to providing comprehensive employment and training opportunities through the KWJ Childcare Career Launch Pad initiative, ensuring that aspiring childcare professionals receive the necessary support and resources to launch successful careers.
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