Early Childhood Traineeship - Certificate III

Early Childhood Traineeship - Certificate III
Position Number: 50/26
Full time, Fixed term - 18 month contract
ECTARC Smith Street Education and Care Service

Looking for a Workplace That Truly Supports You?

At ECTARC, we know that when our people thrive, so do the children and families we support. That’s why we offer more than just a job — we provide a career with purpose, support, and real benefits.

Here’s what you can expect when you join our team:

• Above award pay conditions
• Work-life balance that works for you with family-friendly conditions
• Paid parental leave, including a 6-week top-up to the government scheme
• Extra time to recharge with an additional ECTARC leave day and up to 2–3 weeks closure over the end-of-year period
• Ongoing professional development, coaching and mentoring to help you grow and succeed
• Discounted fees for employees with children in our services
• A comprehensive wellness program, including free one-on-one health consultations, mental health support and webinars, flu vaccinations, and more
• A welcoming and inclusive culture where you feel valued every day
• Career pathways and progression opportunities across our services and head office.

Course fees are covered.

A bonus $315 paid to you at 6 and 12 months and $310 at 18 and 24 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.

If you're ready to build a meaningful career in early childhood with an organisation that invests in you — we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

ECTARC Smith Street is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic trainee who is looking to start their career in early childhood education. During the 18-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.

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)
• Complete the mandatory National Child Safety Training
• National Crime Check (or be willing to obtain)

Desirable Criteria:

• Current First Aid Certificate (HLTAID012 – Provide emergency First Aid in an education and care setting)

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 Us 

ECTARC is a community owned, not for profit organisation that has successfully managed education and care services in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven for over 40 years. 

Our specialist early childhood knowledge, extensive experience in the sector and commitment to early education and care for children, families students and staff is why we are a respected leader across the communities we work in.

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.

We are a Child Safe Organisation and an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to apply for this position. The job offer will be subject to Working with Children Check, National Criminal Check and National Child Safety foundation level training.

Apply Now 

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.

To express your interest for this position please click the Apply Now button.

Closing Date: 25/10/2026