Your next opportunity
Are you ready to kick-start your career in Children’s Services or considering a career change? Penrith City Council is offering exciting opportunities for committed, enthusiastic, and passionate individuals to join us as Childcare Trainees in 2026. You'll be part of our not-for-profit Child Care Services, known for exceeding or meeting national quality education standards.
This full-time 18-month traineeship in Children’s Services will provide you with:
- Hands-on experience and valuable skills in early childhood education
- Rostered shifts Monday to Friday between the hours of 6:30am-6:30pm, gaining practical experience under the guidance of experienced educators
- A combination of study with on-the-job training to gain skills and experience in working with children
- Obtain a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care
- Career opportunities including ongoing study support and capability mapping of your skills to enable you to grow to your full potential
- Work across a cluster of Early Childhood and before and after school care services, collaborating with teams of experienced Children's Services educators
You will also be given opportunities to attend training sessions and one-on-one mentoring throughout your traineeship.
Embrace opportunities for growth and continuous learning throughout your traineeship.
A day in the life of a trainee
- Work alongside experienced educators in caring for and educating children aged 0-12 years, contributing to the development of engaging programs and activities
- Support indoor and outdoor activities designed to promote learning and ensure a fun and enriching experience for children and yourself!
- Take advantage of training sessions and one-on-one mentoring opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge in early childhood education
- Enjoying the experience – above all, have fun! Embrace the joy and wonder of working with children, and cultivating meaningful connections that enrich both your life and others
What are we looking for
- Working with children check (WWCC)
- Willingness to commit to work and study at the same time studying through TAFE
- Enthusiastic, dedicated and passionate about working with children
- Eager to learn and grow in the fields of early childhood Education
- Ability to adapt to different situations, remain flexible, and maintain a positive attitude in challenging circumstances
- Strong communication skills to build relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
- Empathy and patience.
- Commitment to professional development and welcoming feedback
- Must be 16 years of age or older (or turning 16 at the time of commencement)
Commencing Salary: $827.40 per week + 12% Superannuation + Worker Retention %
Why Penrith City Council?
As the largest local government child care service provider in NSW, we support over 5,000 children and families every year across 53 services. Our programs include Long Day Care, Preschools, Out of School Hours Care, Vacation Care, and a Mobile Playvan.
We value our employees and know that your career is only one part of your life – that’s why we are committed to supporting you in the moments that matter.
Important Information:
As part of the recruitment process, we will be holding a Group Assessment centre on Thursday, 13 November 2025. Successful applicants will be asked to attend either a morning session commencing at 9am or an afternoon session commencing at 3pm.
This position has been identified as a Child-Related position under Child Protection laws in NSW. To be eligible to apply, you are required to provide Council with a valid Working with Children Check Number.
To apply you must:
- Not hold a Certificate III or IV in any field completed in the last 7 years, and/or Diploma qualification and above in any field of any date. (Qualifications up to Certificate IV level commenced whilst at school or within two years of leaving school do not affect eligibility)
- Be a Citizen or permanent resident with the right to live and work in Australia
- Submit completed applications by 11.55pm on the closing date
Council is a Child Safe Organisation, for more information about this please see our website.
You will be required to undertake employment checks, which may include a Criminal History Check, Qualification Check, Working with Children Check, Medical Declaration and/or a Functional Test, as relevant to the position for which you have applied. Where a Criminal History Check is required and has returned a result that indicates disclosable court outcomes, you will be required to provide a copy of the report to Penrith City Council, for review, in order to progress through the recruitment process.
For further information about the position, please contact Anna, Talent Acquisition Specialist on 4732 8044
If you're eager to embark on a rewarding career in childcare and ready to make a positive impact on the lives of young children, apply now to become a Childcare Trainee with Penrith City Council in 2026!
Council practices Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) principles.
