family Archives

Breaking Down Employment Barriers For Parents

05-12-2019/0 Comments/in Cire News, Cire Training, Early Learning, Information/by Kinnear Miller

A recent research report has highlighted the barriers to re-entering the workforce after raising children. These barriers included time limitations around holidays and school hours, lack of experience or out-dated experience, low confidence, constrained job opportunities and insufficient employer flexibility. Geographical distance was also a large consideration, with most families wanting at least one parent within a short distance of their children’s child-care or school, in case of emergency.

Parents who were able to return to work, whether full-time or temporarily, generally experienced positive outcomes. They felt that work provided them with a sense of purpose and achievement, as well as independence, self-esteem and the opportunity for social connection. They felt that being part of the workforce set a positive example for their children, in addition to financial benefits, with a number of parents concerned about their lack of superannuation.

The most difficult aspect of work/life balance for families to juggle is the desire to “be there for the kids” and to not miss out on important moments or milestones. Flexibility was mentioned numerous times: The flexibility to work hours that fit with school and child-care, the flexibility to work part-time or casually, the flexibility to work around school holidays.

Cire Training are pleased to be offering three qualifications in fields that address the concerns of our local parents who wish to re-enter the workforce. Our Certificates in Early Childhood Education & Care, Individual Support (Aged Care/Disability) and Education Support (Teacher’s Aide) will give you the skills you need to find work in these rewarding growth industries.

We identified these industries as avenues to employment for families in the region as they’re already experiencing high demand, which is projected to increase over coming years. They offer a range of options from casual/relief work to full-time hours and allow you to design a work schedule that works for your lifestyle, allowing you to spend more time with your family.

These industries each allow you to play a vital role in the story of our community and its residents. You will finish each day with the knowledge that you work in a job that enriches the lives of others, as well as your own.

Our unique blend of theoretical learning with guaranteed practical placements mean you’ll finish your studies work-ready, with 85% of our students obtaining paid work post-graduation. Our one-on-one student support and qualified trainers will enable you to learn at your own pace, at one of our three locations, conveniently situated across the Yarra Ranges.

With no waiting lists and enrolments now open for 2020, don’t hesitate to take the first steps towards a new career. Cire Training will be hosting three free information sessions where we will describe the qualifications we have available, discuss possible career pathways and answer any questions you may have.

Don’t miss out! Visit our online Career Planning hub to reserve your free space now or contact a member of our friendly training team on 1300 835 235.

Do you control your possessions or do they control you?

25-01-2017/0 Comments/in Cire In Home Care, Cire News, Community Support, Information/by Cire

The role of a Cire In Home Carer is often diverse and challenging, with tasks ranging from general house cleaning, assisting with grocery shopping, personal care, meal preparation and respite for family carers. However, there are other ways that Cire carers support people in their own homes.

Cire In Home Carers sometimes enter a person’s home and there are personal items everywhere, often starting from the front gate. Cars, tools, books, newspapers, pots, plants, bottles, furniture, clothes, hats, food, condiments, the list goes on. In this type of environment carers are faced with the challenge of being able to work safely and respect the person’s home and their choices.

“We may own the things in our home but they own us as well” ‘Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things’ by Dr Randy Frost

Carers may not know the history of how the person has developed attachments to their possessions. Each item could have significant meaning, or represent an event or special time in that person’s life. The value of an item may have increased over time and may have been with a person through good times and bad. How does a carer approach their work if their role is to tidy and clean the house or assist in the removal of items from the house?

A good way to begin to understand the emotional attachment to possessions is for carers to ask themselves “Could you pack up all your things into one suitcase and leave your home forever?” Most people would probably respond that they may find it difficult but ultimately they could do it. However if we added another layer onto this and considered that some of the items we were leaving behind had belonged to family members that had passed away, or were given to us 60 years ago, or came from the old cinema that we attended as a child or represented a significant time in our life, we begin to understand the emotions that these items may represent.

If Cire carers understand that items have memories attached to them they can then start to discuss some of these memories with the person. It can be a very slow process and sometimes an acknowledgement of an item’s significance can assist a person in being able to let it go. It takes a lot of patience and understanding to work in this environment. Cire In Home Carers are very experienced in this area and are able to support people to remain living independently in a way that is safe and respects their right to choice.

If you would like to learn more about the services Cire In Home Care offer call 1300 835 235. If you are interested in a career in the aged care industry, Cire Training offers Certificate III in Individual Support.

Drumming to the beat of Ghana

09-12-2015/0 Comments/in Cire Children's Services, Cire Good news stories, People in the community/by Cire_Admin

The youngsters at the Children’s Centre had loads of fun recently when Fredrick Kpakpo Addo came to visit. Fredrick, who recently moved to Melbourne, brought his 20 years’ experience as a performer of music and dance to Mt Evelyn. Travelling the world with his performing arts Fredrick shared traditional West African drumming, singing, and stories with the children. All were eager to get involved and couldn’t wait to have a go on the sticks with many busting a move to complement the beats.

“Fred captivated all the children’s attention with his enthusiasm through music and song. It was fantastic.” Rachael – Classroom Assistant

Fred showed great enthusiasm, and delighted in entertaining as he taught the children some traditional drumming rhythms and songs, at one stage the flute even made an appearance. These activities are a great way for the children to express themselves through performance art. UYCH encourages projects like these which has the children learning about culture in other parts of world.

“My favourite bit was when we danced” Adele – 3 years old

“I liked it when we hit the drums and sang “Africa, Africa”, then “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” Jillian – Classroom Assistant

“I love it when I was an elephant” Ben – 4 years old

Afterwards the children’s inquisitive little minds had an abundance of questions about life, the food and the differences in culture in Ghana.

This experience has links to the Early Years Learning Framework that UYCH incorporates in their programming. In particular to the community outcome, where it states that children respond to diversity with respect and gain awareness of other cultures and beliefs.

“I loved learning about the cultural dress and food of Ghana.” Ange – Kindergarten Teacher

We are currently taking kindergarten enrolments at Mt Evelyn and Yarra Junction if you would like to know more about our Early Childhood Education and Care programs click here.