Current Vacancies

Early Childhood Traineeship – Certificate III

Position Number 38/26
Location ECTARC Wallaroo Education and Care Service - Shellharbour
Status Full time, Fixed term - 18 month contract
Closing Date 12/07/2026
About the Service

ECTARC Wallaroo is a 44-place service providing early childhood education and care for children from birth to school age in Shellharbour on the traditional land of the Dharawal peoples. 

We are within walking distance of Nazareth Primary School, Shellharbour Library, local shopping centre and Elanora Nursing Home, creating many opportunities for our children to get involved with our local community. 

Wallaroo provides an inclusive environment that welcomes all children and their families.  We ensure the program meets the developmental needs of each child, with a holistic approach ensuring that all children are truly integrated into our program.  We welcome our connections with families and external agencies and use their knowledge and skills to inform our program and practice.

About the Role

ECTARC Wallaroo are 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.

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

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.

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.

If you have any questions in regards to this position please call ECTARC on (02) 4223 1100 or email employment@ectarc.com.au.

If you would like to be considered for this position, please click on the Apply Online button

Apply Online