Early Childhood Educator Certificate 3 Trainee

Sutherland Shire Council; Sydney; On-site; AUD 46,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fitness passport

Employee assistance program

Annual flu shots

Health and wellbeing programme

Novated lease options

Job summary

Sutherland Shire Council is offering Early Childhood Educator Trainee positions in Sydney as you study towards a nationally recognised Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. You’ll work with qualified educators to create safe, inclusive environments for children from birth to school age.

You’ll gain hands-on experience, mentorship, and practical training while contributing to high-quality early education programs and families in our community.

Qualifications

• Must have NSW Working with Children Check or willingness to obtain before commencement.
• Enrolled in or studying towards a nationally recognised Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
• Enthusiastic, reliable and able to work as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of safe, inclusive and engaging early education activities.
• Assist experienced educators and learn on the job under mentoring.
• Contribute to children’s learning, wellbeing and development in centres.

Skills

Interest in working with children

Enthusiastic and caring

Building positive relationships

Reliable and motivated

Teamwork and collaboration

Safe and inclusive environments

Education

Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Job description

Kickstart your career in Early Childhood Education - multiple positions available from mid-January 2027! Sutherland Shire Council is offering an exciting opportunity for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to begin their early childhood education journey. As an Early Childhood Educator Trainee, you'll gain hands‑on experience in our Early Education Centres while studying towards a nationally recognised Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care. Working alongside experienced educators, you'll help create safe, inclusive and engaging environments where children can learn, grow and thrive.

The Opportunity

This is more than a traineeship. It's the first step towards a rewarding career helping shape the lives of children and supporting families within your community. You'll receive practical on‑the‑job training, professional mentoring and valuable experience working with children from birth to school age. As you learn, you'll develop the skills and confidence to support children's learning, wellbeing and development while contributing to high‑quality early education programs.

About You

• Have a genuine interest in working with children
• Are enthusiastic, caring and eager to learn
• Enjoy building positive relationships with others
• Are reliable, motivated and committed to completing formal study
• Work well as part of a team and contribute positively to the workplace
• Share our commitment to creating safe and inclusive environments for children

Why Join Us?

• Earn while you learn through a supported traineeship pathway
• Gain a nationally recognised qualification
• Work alongside experienced and passionate educators
• Access mentoring, training and professional development opportunities
• Make a meaningful contribution to the lives of children and families
• Build a career in a growing and rewarding industry

At Sutherland Shire Council, we’re passionate about providing high‑quality early education services that support children to feel safe, valued and connected.

What You’ll Bring

• NSW Working with Children Check for paid employment – or willingness to obtain before commencement.
• National Foundations of Child Safety Training Certificate (Geccko) – or willingness to obtain before commencement.

Package

$51,251.20 gross p.a. plus 12% superannuation. The Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Worker Retention Allowance will be applied to these roles in addition with Federal Government guidelines.

Hours of work

Temporary Full Time (19 month contract). Working 38 hours per week. You will have the option of a 19 day month with Council’s ADO system (Accrued Day Off).

Benefits

• To benefit your wellbeing you will have access to fitness passport, employee assistance program, annual flu shots, health and wellbeing programme and novated lease options.

Pre‑employment Screening

Suitable candidates are subject to pre‑employment screening which includes Reference Checks, Work Rights Verification, Identity and Functional/Medical History Checks, and will also include a Criminal History, Qualification and Working with Children Check. Employment is subject to clearance of all these checks.

Reach out to Jessica Chappell, Business Administration Supervisor [e-mail] for any job specific enquiries. Jodi Johnson, Talent Acquisition Business Partner [e-mail] can assist with any recruitment related enquiries.

Council is a Child Safe Organisation and is committed to ensuring the NSW Government’s Child Safe Standards are incorporated in our procedures, practices, programs, and events.