Own your future with a Traineeship at Port Stephens Council (PSC) – ready for commencement in January 2026!

The opportunity

Our Thrive Kids teams support local schools in our Community of Port Stephens with Out of School Hours Care across 10 services, including Vacation Care. With the successful introduction of one Trainee Educator, we’re looking to grow the team and add one more Trainee to Thrive Kids OOSH!

As our Trainee Educator, you will develop the skills to provide support to the Thrive Kids team. Providing a high level of customer service and enthusiasm whilst assisting the team in planning, implementing and evaluating our OOSH programs for our communities little humans.

Not only will you gain invaluable on the job experience from the team, you will also undertake a Diploma of School-Aged Education and Care.

What does a career at PSC look like for me post-Traineeship?

Whilst we can’t guarantee a permanent position post-traineeship, this is what a career path could look like with a Diploma behind you:

Casual Educator

OOSH Educator at one of our 10 services across the LGA

You might move your way into a leadership position and work as one of our Supervisors at the services,

Or a strategic leadership position such as an OOSH Coordinator

This is a contract opportunity – working 28.5 hours per week including study time + access to a flexible working arrangement + additional professional development opportunities

Base Hourly Range: $26.70 to $34.16 (T4 - T7) + 12% superannuation + $1,718 retention allowance

Under 18 years of age: $19.85 (T2) + 12% superannuation + $1,718 retention allowance

You will be primarily working from Wirreanda, with opportunities to work from other services throughout School Holidays.

Some of the key responsibilities within this role are listed below however you can view the full list here – view the position description.

Assist the Nominated Supervisor to ensure the service complies with relevant legislation, Acts and Regulation

Assist with the planning, implementation and evaluation of a developmentally appropriate program

Assist in reviewing and implementing all policies and processes

Assist with the general administration tasks associated with service operations

Ensure the safety well-being and inclusion of children in care

What does it mean to be a Trainee at PSC?

Throughout your Traineeship, you’ll receive;

Financial support in a paid role, including full payment for your studies

Time in your work week to attend your formal training

Progression through your salary levels with each year of successful completion

You will also have the opportunity to participate in our internal networking events, where you can meet and socialise with other Apprentices, Cadets and Trainees at PSC

Opportunities to develop your own professional and social networks through collaborating with all of the Thrive Kids Children’s Services Team as well as other teams across PSC

We’re all about putting the right people, in the right role! Here’s what we’re looking for:

Demonstrated commitment to the completion of a Diploma in School-Aged Education and Care.

Access to reliable transport for attendance at both work and external training providers

Ability to work in a team environment

This is life at PSC!

Work/Life balance with generous leave entitlements, and leave in lieu

Long service leave when you’ve been with us for just over 5 years

Health & Wellbeing leave to recharge when you need it

Industry leading Paid Parental Leave accessible for all employees – regardless of how you became a parent, we offer 14 weeks that can be taken within 2 years from the birth, adoption, or long-term foster care of your child.

PSCare Day available to all employees to take in addition to your regular leave entitlements

Confidential support (including mental health) through our employee assistance program

Award winning health and wellbeing program PSCare, Workers Health Initiative with access to a broad range of gyms in the area, and discounted health insurance

Free parking on site

And lots more…

Enough about us, we want to hear about you! So tell us about…

Why you want a career in Outside of School Hours Care?

Ready to Apply? Here’s what you need to know

To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload;

a copy of your resume

provide responses to questions above

Applications Close: Midnight, Sunday, 21 September 2025

For position related enquiries, contact: Joanne Kewin, OOSH Coordinator, 4988 0335

For Application enquiries, contact: Brooke Tisdell, Talent Acquisition Advisor, 4988 0589

For information on the Cadetship and study requirements, contact: Tiahna Sanderson, Learning & Development Officer, 4988 0391

For information on our recruitment process, and what we look for in an application, please visit our Careers page on our website for ‘How to Apply’

We’re a 2024 Circle Back Initiative Employer – we commit to respond to every applicant

We’ve partnered with the Veterans Employment Program to support veterans finding suitable, sustainable and meaningful employment

Port Stephens Council adheres to the principles of a child safe organisation and supports children and young people having safe and welcoming experience in our community, accessing our facilities and in our care

We acknowledge the Worimi as the original Custodians and inhabitants of Port Stephens. May we walk the road to tomorrow with mutual respect and admiration as we care for the beautiful land and waterways together