Emma Grant is West Coast Institute’s student of the year.
Camera IconEmma Grant is West Coast Institute’s student of the year. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Emma excels after career change

Staff ReporterNorth Coast Times

The Alkimos resident was named student of the year at the institute’s annual awards evening on March 9.

Previously a history teacher at Newman Senior High School, Miss Grant changed paths and enrolled in an early childhood traineeship through WCI and Duncraig Early Learning Centre.

Impressed by her enthusiasm and work ethic, her employer promoted her to team leader when she finished the traineeship and she is now responsible for 15 children and five staff members in the toddler room.

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‘I’ve gained so much confidence through my traineeship,’ Miss Grant said.

‘A year ago I was the trainee ” the one learning from all the educators in the room; and now my educators are looking to me to help them.

‘My biggest accomplishment and the thing that is most important to me is the relationship I have with the children I work with ” that means more to me than anything.’

Her lecturer nominated her for the award based on her dedication to studies and employment, and her infectious passion for working with children.

‘They have taught me so many different skills and strategies to work with young children, which are very different to the strategies I used as a teacher to work with teenagers.

‘My lecturers come from the early childhood industry so their training is practical and flexible, which means I can stay focused on what really matters ” the children.’

Miss Grant plans to continue her career in rural WA, saying she believed all children should have access to high quality education in their early years.

WCI’s managing director Michelle Hoad said Miss Grant was an example of someone who had turned to training to transform her passion and dream into reality.

‘I am so pleased that she took the leap to change careers and start something she truly enjoys,’ she said.