Sri Lanka to Newman: How the State Government’s early childhood job ready program is helping plug skills gaps

The remote mining town of Newman is poised to witness the positive impact of a State Government program aimed at addressing critical shortages in the childcare industry. One year ago, Anusika Maruthooran, now 33, embarked on a new chapter in Australia, leaving Sri Lanka with her husband in search of fresh opportunities. With a Master’s Degree in Classical Music from Annamalai University in India, Anusika found herself at the intersection of opportunity as the WA Government launched the Early Childhood Education and Care Job Ready Program. The innovative initiative, designed to swiftly address skills shortages in the sector, offered a fee-free short course in partnership with industry, providing participants with a unique blend of education and practical experience. As both Anusika and the ECEC Job Ready Program mark a successful first year, Anusika is celebrating completing the course — and the regional town of Newman is set to benefit. Anusika completed the ECEC Job Ready Program with the Fremantle Education Centre, which included a work placement, and has secured a position with YMCA Newman Early Learning Centre in Newman, where her husband will work in the transport industry. The move is set to unlock greater accessibility to childcare services for families and aims to fulfil the centre’s goal of reopening a room temporarily closed due to staffing shortages. Anusika’s journey, marked by determination and a drive for success, shines through as she reflects on her early days at Young Explorers Early Learning Centre. “(The program) was a very good opportunity for me,” Anusika said. “We could not afford for me to learn long-term because financially I needed a job. It’s a very short course and I never thought I could get a job straight after this, but I’m really happy now. And my husband is so happy. “People in Sri Lanka are surprised and said how did you get a job in a year? I told them about the Job Ready program.” Young Explorers Early Learning Centre director Lesley Els attested to Anusika’s remarkable transformation during the program, noting her initiative and engagement with children. “Anusika got involved and showed initiative with the children. Being here working with the children built her sense of belonging and comfort in the environment she was in,” she said. “To have that confidence and ability and her personality shone through, chatting with us and telling us about her, it was just so good to see that breakthrough.” WA Training Minister Simone McGurk emphasised the significance of stories like Anusika’s in the ECEC Job Ready program. “The Job Ready program has helped Anu train in a new profession and land a job within 12 months, and the importance of her achievement cannot be underestimated,” she said. “Her employment will enable local families in Newman access to childcare, and hopefully allow the centre where she is employed re-open a room that has been closed due to staff shortages. “In the year it’s been operating, we’ve seen some great results in the ECEC Job Ready Program. The ECEC sector is a critical part of the economy because it supports parents and carers, particularly women, return to work, and that is particularly important in regional towns.”