As the early childhood education and care sector grapples with a workforce shortage crisis, G8 Education is investing in the next generation of educators with 74 school-based trainees starting in Queensland services over the past week.

Early childhood education sector vacancies are at an all-time high, with 1,557 positions currently advertised online across Queensland.

On average, it currently takes 57 days to fill a vacant position, with demand expected to spike in September/October due to normal enrolment and vacancy cycles.

In order to combat this growing demand, G8 Education is investing more into its sector-leading Trainee and Study Pathway programs to grow and develop its team.

Of the school-based trainees who have completed the program with G8 Education and graduated with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, 41 per cent have gone on to permanent employment with G8.

According to G8 Education’s Chief People and Transformation Officer, Tabitha Pearson, the school-based program has more than doubled in size over the past two years due to workforce demands.

“This is such a crucial program given the current workforce environment,” she said.

“We understand our educators and teachers are our most valuable asset, which is why we are committed to developing and supporting our current and prospective team through our sector-leading study pathways programs from school-based traineeships right through to Bachelor Scholarships.”

Joseph Cooper, who has just started his school-based traineeship at The Learning Sanctuary Tarragindi, said he is very grateful for the opportunity to start his career in early childhood education while he is still at school.  

“I had an amazing teacher in grade three, Mr Hanson, and ever since then I’ve wanted to be a teacher,” he said.

“I always doubted whether it was an achievable goal, until I heard about this traineeship opportunity.

“Judging from my first few days at the centre, early learning seems like a perfect fit for me.

“I love watching the children interact and problem solve, and it’s a really fun and welcoming environment to work in.”

The fully-funded two-year school-based traineeship program sees students work alongside a mentor at the centres who can assist students with their studies and development.

G8 Education is one of Australia’s largest early education and care providers, with centres from Cairns, Townsville, Mackay, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane and Gold Coast accepting students as part of this major traineeship intake.

G8 Education also offers traineeships to mature aged workers, as well as supported Diploma and Bachelor Study Pathways Programs to employees.

To learn more about how to apply for a traineeship or position with G8 Education, visit the Careers Website.