Chisholm fills early childhood skilled worker gap

Chisholm Institute has reduced the shortage of skilled workers in early childhood education and care – and is now making a global impact.

To address the sector’s critical workforce challenges, Chisholm partnered with Early Childhood Education Centres across the state, the Victorian Department of Education and Training, and Jobs Victoria, to lead the Early Childhood Education Traineeship Project (2022 –2024).

The project initially aimed to employ 150 trainees across Victoria. The team exceeded this target, employing 520 job seekers into traineeships.

This success stemmed from targeted recruitment and comprehensive support structures, including job readiness training, tailored mentoring and financial incentives.

Sue Wyatt, Manager Education Programs in Early Childhood Education and Care at Chisholm, has presented her team’s results at the International Network for Innovative Apprenticeship 2025, in the UK this month. This global platform invites ideas and knowledge sharing, putting Chisholm at the forefront of early childhood education and care initiatives.

‘Chisholm’s project facilitates clear pathways to employment and career advancement in early childhood,’ says Ms Wyatt.

‘We have removed barriers for trainees to get jobs. We helped them get the appropriate clothing for interviews and work. We provided pre-job training. We foster a collaborative community of practice to help shape the future of early childhood education and care.’

Chisholm will continue this work, aiming to increase the number of skilled workers throughout Victoria.