Current Vacancies

Diploma Traineeship

Position Number 19/26
Location ECTARC Clipper Road Education and Care Service - Nowra
Status Full time, Fixed term - 24 month contract
Closing Date 19/04/2026
About the Service

ECTARC Clipper Road is a 40-place service providing early childhood education and care for children from birth to school age in Nowra, Clipper Road is ideally located amongst community hubs and schools within Worrigee and East Nowra areas

We have a strong commitment to ongoing learning and acknowledge the traditional owners of the land specifically the Dhurawal and Dhurga language groups and have strong authentic relationships with our local families.  Our program in every aspect is enhanced by the participation of families and community.

We are committed to ongoing reflective practice to continually improve our service provision.  We pride ourselves on respectful and secure relationships with families and children, with community partnerships which we believe strongly support children to reach their full potential. We see children as active participants in their community and regularly invite visitors to the service and excursions to promote learning.

ECTARC Clipper Road employs a Family and Community Facilitator who, in collaboration with the Service Director assists with family support needs. We recognise that every child, regardless of their individual challenges has the right to participate in an education and care service.

About the Role

ECTARC Clipper Road are seeking a motivated and enthusiastic trainee who is looking to start their career in early childhood education. During the 36-month traineeship you will gain valuable knowledge and experience whilst working and studying alongside our qualified and supportive educators to complete your Diploma of 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:

  • Must have Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or equivalent
  • Commitment to working as part of a team
  • Effective communication skills
  • 12 months experience working in children’s services
  • Current First Aid Certificate (HLTAID012 – Provide Emergency First Aid in an Education and Care Setting)
  • Knowledge of current early childhood theories and practice & children’s services legislation
Next Steps

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.

At ECTARC we pay highly competitive salaries above the award rate in accordance with the policies and procedures of ECTARC including

  • Above award pay (10% wage increase based on the award rate from the Federal Government wage increase, with a further 5% coming in December 2025)
  • 50% discount on childcare fees for staff’s children enrolled in our quality services.
  • Paid parental leave – 6 weeks top up.
  • Annual ECTARC leave day and 2-3 weeks end of year closure period.
  • Wellness program including access to our EAP.
  • An inclusive work environment.
  • EC Management team provides coaching, mentoring and support.
  • Two annual planning days and opportunities to join organisational network meetings.
  • Paid professional learning via ECTARC’s online learning platform and access to internal and external training and conferences.
  • Support for further study and qualifications.
  • Opportunities for career advancement across our early childhood education and training services.

We have a comprehensive induction process and a dedicated wellbeing program to support you and your family.

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.

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

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