Early years careers on offer

A showcase of careers on offer in the early years sector will be held in Warragul on Thursday.
The inaugural Early Childhood Careers Expo will be held at the West Gippsland Arts Centre from 9.30am to 12.30pm, featuring more than 20 local businesses and groups as well as presentations and speakers. It is a free event.
Baw Baw Shire mayor Annemarie McCabe said there was a desperate gap in the sector and hoped the expo would inspire local students and adults.
"There's a shortage across the early years sector that council is trying to address, and we're calling for more people to consider careers in this area," Cr McCabe said. "A career in the early years could be so incredibly rewarding as you get a unique chance to shape and inspire little one's creative minds."
To encourage parents and carers to come along, a pop-up playgroup will run from 10am to 12noon to help keep young ones entertained.
There will be presentations on the day from Baw Baw Shire's maternal child health and family day care units, as well as speakers from Chisolm Institute and Federation University.
Baw Baw family day care educator Martha Smith said she loved opportunities available in the early years sector.
"Family day care has been the most amazing opportunity for me, as an educator and now as a mum," Martha said. "I have the flexibility to run my business how I want it to be run, with the guidance of a supportive coordination unit."
Her job also allows Martha to spend more time with her child and watch them grow and learn, while also making lifelong friends.