Rio Tinto’s Here for Childcare program has provided Gladstone resident Shaylagh Alexander with the chance to fulfil her dreams of a career in childcare.
The initiative was supported by the Rio Tinto Community Fund with the aim to reduce pressure facing the local childcare industry.
Ms Alexander’s path to success began when she signed up for the programme’s Incentive for Educators plan and was placed at Goodstart Early Learning in Kin Kora.
During her placement she achieved her Certificate III in Education and at its completion she received $2,000 to further her qualification. Goodstart Kin Kora also received $2,000 to reinvest back into their services.
Ms Alexander said “The program was a great opportunity and I received tremendous support to continue studying even through the tough times.
“I intend to continue my studies and the $2,000 I received will go towards achieving a Diploma of Children’s Services. I love everything about working in childcare especially bonding with the children and watching the toddlers learn to walk and talk.”
Goodstart Early Learning centre director Shae Young agreed: “Here for Childcare is putting money back into the service and straight into education. The financial incentive certainly encouraged participants to finish the program.”
Rio Tinto Community Fund chairman and QAL general manager Mike Dunstan said “The Rio Tinto Community Fund is all about supporting our community to make a sustainable difference.
“We really are here for our local people and are delighted to have played a part in addressing an essential community need.
“Congratulations to Shaylagh. We are so pleased she will continue to support Gladstone’s childcare industry with her new skills and qualifications.”
The initiative was supported by the Rio Tinto Community Fund with the aim to reduce pressure facing the local childcare industry.
Ms Alexander’s path to success began when she signed up for the programme’s Incentive for Educators plan and was placed at Goodstart Early Learning in Kin Kora.
During her placement she achieved her Certificate III in Education and at its completion she received $2,000 to further her qualification. Goodstart Kin Kora also received $2,000 to reinvest back into their services.
Ms Alexander said “The program was a great opportunity and I received tremendous support to continue studying even through the tough times.
“I intend to continue my studies and the $2,000 I received will go towards achieving a Diploma of Children’s Services. I love everything about working in childcare especially bonding with the children and watching the toddlers learn to walk and talk.”
Goodstart Early Learning centre director Shae Young agreed: “Here for Childcare is putting money back into the service and straight into education. The financial incentive certainly encouraged participants to finish the program.”
Rio Tinto Community Fund chairman and QAL general manager Mike Dunstan said “The Rio Tinto Community Fund is all about supporting our community to make a sustainable difference.
“We really are here for our local people and are delighted to have played a part in addressing an essential community need.
“Congratulations to Shaylagh. We are so pleased she will continue to support Gladstone’s childcare industry with her new skills and qualifications.”