Start your career in early childhood with Guardian
Get paid to learn and start your career in early childhood
Looking for a career where you can make a real difference from day one?
A Trainee Educator role at Guardian Childcare is a chance to start your career in early childhood education while you earn and grow. You’ll gain practical experience in one of our early learning centres, work alongside experienced Educators and leaders, and study towards a nationally recognised Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care.
You don’t need previous early childhood experience to get started. What matters most is your enthusiasm and desire to make a difference.
Support from the very start
Our traineeships combine paid work with structured study, giving you the opportunity to put your learning into practice as you build your skills and confidence.
As a Guardian Trainee Educator, you’ll:
- Earn while you study towards your Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Gain hands-on experience in a high-quality early learning centre
- Learn alongside experienced Educators and leaders
- Receive mentoring and support as you develop your skills
- Build meaningful relationships with children, families and your team
- Learn how to create safe and inspiring learning environments
- Develop practical skills that will support you throughout your early childhood career
Your study and your work go hand in hand, so you can see how the knowledge you’re gaining translates into real experiences with children every day.
Start building your confidence from day one
Being a Trainee Educator isn’t about knowing everything straight away. It’s about being supported to learn.
You’ll work as part of a professional team, learning from experienced Educators and leaders while gradually building your confidence and capability.
You’ll have opportunities to contribute to children’s learning and wellbeing, build relationships with families and take part in the everyday experiences that make early learning so rewarding.
Experience Guardian’s approach to early learning
At Guardian, you’ll be part of an organisation that puts children and their learning at the heart of everything we do.
As a Trainee, you’ll develop a shared understanding of how children learn and grow and see how our Educators create meaningful experiences.
You’ll also work in thoughtfully designed, well-resourced environments that support children’s development and wellbeing.
It’s a great place to begin learning what it means to be a professional Early Childhood Educator.
A career, not just a traineeship
Your traineeship is just the beginning.
Once you complete your Certificate III, you can continue building your career with Guardian and explore opportunities to grow your skills, experience and responsibilities.
You could progress into an Educator role and, with further study and experience, explore pathways towards roles such as Lead Educator, Educational Leader, Assistant Centre Manager or Centre Manager.
We’re committed to supporting our people to grow, with professional development, learning opportunities and career pathways across our national network.
What does a Trainee Educator do?
As a Trainee Educator, you’ll support qualified Educators to provide high-quality early learning and care for children.
Your day might include:
- Building warm, responsive relationships with children
- Supporting children as they explore and learn
- Helping create safe, engaging learning environments
- Taking part in learning experiences and activities
- Working with Educators to support children’s individual interests and needs
- Building positive relationships with families
- Helping prepare learning environments and resources
- Learning about children’s development and how to support it
You’ll gradually take on more responsibility as your skills and confidence grow.
Who can become a Trainee Educator?
You don’t need previous experience in early childhood education to apply for a traineeship with Guardian.
Our traineeships can be a great starting point if you’re:
- A recent school leaver looking for your first career
- Considering a career change
- Interested in working with children
- Looking for a career where every day is different
- Ready to learn new skills while earning an income
- Passionate about making a positive difference in your community
If you’re enthusiastic, willing to learn and excited by the opportunity to work with children, we’d love to hear from you.
What qualification will I receive?
Guardian Trainee Educators work towards a nationally recognised Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care through one of our preferred Registered Training Organisation partners.
Our traineeships are designed to combine structured study with hands-on experience, so you can develop both the knowledge and practical skills you need to begin your career in early childhood education.
How long does a childcare traineeship take?
Guardian’s Trainee Educator program typically takes around 18 months to complete, combining paid work and structured study. Our team and training provider will support you throughout your traineeship and help you understand what to expect along the way.
Do I get paid as a Trainee Educator?
Yes. Guardian Trainee Educators are paid employees while completing their traineeship. You’ll earn while you learn, with your study forming part of your journey towards a nationally recognised qualification.
Government trainee incentive payments may also be available to eligible trainees. Our Talent Team can help you understand what you may be eligible for.
Where can a Guardian traineeship take you?
Your traineeship is your first step into a rewarding career in early childhood education. Once you’ve completed your Certificate III, you may continue your career with Guardian, building your experience as an Educator and exploring further professional development and leadership opportunities.
Whether you want to continue working directly with children or eventually move into leadership, there are opportunities to grow with Guardian.
Ready to start your early childhood career?
Take your first step towards a career where you can support children to have the best start.