According to the latest figures from the Internet Vacancy Index (February 2025), there were 5,071 job vacancies in roles related to the ECEC sector—a significant decline from the peak of 8,330 vacancies recorded in October 2023. Despite this improvement, many CELA members continue to struggle with filling vacancies, and job ads on the CELA job portal remain at similar levels to last year, highlighting the ongoing need for effective workforce solutions.
A new social initiative was launched late last year to provide a targeted solution to the ongoing workforce crisis.
Introducing Y Careers: A social enterprise for workforce development
Y Careers is a not-for-profit social enterprise supported by the Australian Government. Co-designed with young people and industry experts, Y Careers focuses on addressing workforce shortages in education and care sectors, with a specific emphasis on areas where demand for educators and care workers is highest.
An initiative of the Y (formerly YMCA), the program offers comprehensive training, career coaching, and employment pathways to help young Australians—particularly those who are unemployed or underemployed—build sustainable careers in early childhood education, disability support, and aged care.
“Y Careers was developed in collaboration with young people and industry partners to ensure a supportive pathway for young Australians to secure meaningful employment in the education and care sector.” says Amaresh Devanesen, Executive Director, Y Careers. “The workforce crisis will not be resolved without targeted initiatives for educator attraction and retention. That’s where Y Careers comes in.”
Case Study: Lane Cove City Council’s partnership with Y Careers
From left to right: Merri Southwood, Mayor of Lane Cove; Tegan Bate, Career Coach at Y Careers
Lane Cove Council has joined Y Careers as their newest employer partner, expanding career opportunities for young people in the early education and care sector. Through the Y Careers traineeship program, Lane Cove Council has supported two young people into 18-month Early Learning and Childhood Education Traineeships with Kindy Cove Childcare Centre.
“Lane Cove Council is proud to invest in the next generation, ensuring they have the skills, support, and confidence to thrive,” said Merrie Southwood, Mayor of Lane Cove. “Through this partnership with Y Careers, we’re not only helping young trainees build their futures but also strengthening the essential early childhood education workforce in our community. We are very excited to welcome our new team members and continue investing in young people through traineeships.”
Trainees will benefit from real-world experience, sector-recognised training, mentoring and support through a Y Careers Coach and the chance to make a lasting impact on children’s lives.
How Y Careers can help your service
Y Careers supports organisations by providing trained, motivated young professionals through two key models:
1. Traineeships
Early Childhood Education & Care Traineeship: An 18-month full-time program with a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care (Diploma options available).
Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) Traineeship: A 12-month part-time program with a Certificate III in Community Services (minimum 21 hours per week in NSW; varies by state).
Benefits:
As a Group Training Organisation (GTO), Y Careers streamlines your administration by handling recruitment, wages, and paperwork. Additionally, your trainees and organisation benefit from dedicated career coaches who provide personalised support throughout the traineeship.
Y Careers also manages all aspects of the training delivery, working closely with the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) to ensure trainees earn nationally recognised qualifications and essential health and safety training. Furthermore, all trainees receive unlimited access to the Sonder safety and wellbeing app, providing continuous connection to safety, medical, and mental health professionals.
Right now, centres looking to develop their workforce through traineeships may be eligible for up to $5,200 in government incentives. To be eligible, employers need less than 200 staff and had no trainees in the last two years. Learn more here.
2. Recruitment Service for qualified professionals
For permanent full-time and part-time roles in education and care, it connects employers with motivated candidates aged 18-26.
Includes access to a Career Coach for six months.
Benefits:
The cost includes targeted advertising and promotion of your vacancies, comprehensive candidate screening and eligibility assessments, coordination and facilitation of interviews, and career coaching support for the candidate.
How CELA Members can connect with Y Careers
CELA members looking to address their workforce needs can explore Y Careers’ tailored recruitment and training solutions.
For more information:
About CELA
Community Early Learning Australia is a not for profit organisation with a focus on amplifying the value of early learning for every child across Australia - representing our members and uniting our sector as a force for quality education and care.