Sunday 2 July to Sunday 9 July marks NAIDOC Week, celebrated across the country to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements, and is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions that Indigenous Australians make to our country and our society. The various events occurring throughout the week will reflect this year’s theme, Our Languages Matter, highlighting the importance, resilience and richness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander languages. In recognition of NAIDOC Week, SkillsOne celebrates the career success of notable Indigenous employer, Bubup Wilam for Early Learning Aboriginal Child and Family Centre.
Winner of the 2016 Australian Training Awards’ Medium Employer of the Year Award in Victoria, Bubup Wilam for Early Learning Aboriginal Child and Family Centre, provides holistic services for the education and care of six-month to six-year-old Aboriginal children and their families. The centre recognises the significance of embracing Aboriginal culture from a young age to instil a child’s strong sense of Aboriginal identity and self-esteem as the basis of their foundation for lifelong learning, wellbeing and health.
The Bubup Wilam vision statements notes the centres aim, “In partnership with families, Bubup Wilam for Early Learning aims to nurture strong, proud and deadly kids in a culturally rich and supportive environment.”
Bubup Wilam integrates a unique onsite training model centred around Aboriginal perspective, knowledge systems and values, and focuses on building Aboriginal education, training and employment. The program gives Aboriginal Australians the opportunity to gain a Certificate III or Diploma in Children’s Services, building on future Aboriginal leadership while ensuring students receive the skills and knowledge to broaden their post-training work options.
“Early childhood is something we need to promote more. We support kids to have a strong identity of themselves before they go to school,” says Jedda, a Bachelor qualified teacher at Bubup Wilam.
Knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal cultures has the potential to open career prospects for all Australians. Vocational education and training (VET), offers courses suited to everyone’s passions and interests that could lead to careers in cultural arts, community engagement, education, youth work and many others.
“Awareness and understanding of different cultures is pivotal in today’s contemporary society. There are many vocational pathways, that allow for community led careers, providing a culturally rich workplace environment,” says Kirstin Casey, General Manager at SkillsOne.
SkillsOne will be showcasing VET qualifications during National Skills Week from 28 August to 3 September 2017. National Skills Week is Australia’s primary week to acknowledge vocational achievements and celebrate the endless opportunities available through VET.
To organise an event, or take part in the many events that can be found across the country, visit the National Skills Week website.
For further information on Bubup Wilam’s story, or other inspiring career stories from the Australian Training Awards, VET Alumni Program or the Australian Apprenticeships Ambassadors program, visit the Australian Training Awards website.
For more information please contact: Kirstin Casey (General Manager at SkillsOne)
Mobile: 0420 652 558 Email: kirstin.casey@skillsone.com.au